Gary Williams

Gary Dee Williams August 23, 1959 – September 3, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gary Dee Williams, 67, who died peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with illness. Gary was a longtime resident of the Lowcountry.
He was born in Albany, Georgia and raised in Beaufort, where he started cooking in his father's restaurant. He went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps, which he loved. His culinary career took him to the Amway Grand in Michigan and to Florida before he came home to start a family. He worked as a chef on Hilton Head Island and, along with family, created the Sea Shack on HHI and the Sea Shanty in Okatie.
He loved fishing, exploring the mountains, and was a collector at heart.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Franklin Williams; his mother, Barbara Louise Hay; and his brothers, Bobby and Robin Williams.
He is survived by Kelly Williams, his devoted wife of 40 years; his daughters, Chelsey Nicole, Haley Louise, and Kaylynn Ann; his stepmother, Cyndi Williams; his brothers, Benny, Raymond, and Richard Williams; and his grandchildren, Jayla Compton, Jordan Compton, Cason Compton, and Isla Jean Bagga.
He was blessed to have three lifelong best friends: Chip Haubenstein and Primo Torres of North Carolina, and Wayne Baker of Beaufort.
Those who knew him will remember his favorite saying — "What would Gary do?"

Services will be held Monday, September 21, 2026 at Anderson Funeral Home in Beaufort, SC at 11:15 a.m., followed by a gathering at the Sun City Clubhouse from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Burial will be at Beaufort National Cemetery.
Forever missed and always loved.