NAEMT deeply mourns the passing of Nathan Williams, Jr., a man of integrity and stature, who guided NAEMT through one of our nation's darkest periods—the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Nathan’s unwavering commitment to the EMS profession and passion for improving patient care persevered, and under his leadership, NAEMT rolled out its Pediatric Prehospital Care course, later rebranded as Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC). Nathan also solidified the partnership for the NAEMT Annual Meeting to be co-located with EMS World Expo.
NAEMT President Susan Bailey, MSEM, NRP, remembers Nathan fondly: “At my first NAEMT Annual Meeting, Nathan cordially greeted me and welcomed me to the meeting. He was so pleasant and a true advocate for NAEMT.”
Nathan’s funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Victory Church at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 11-12 p.m. at the church on Saturday.
Nathan R. Williams, Jr., age 71, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on May 10, 2024. He was born to Nathan R. Williams, Sr. and Vernice Gardner Williams in Columbia, Missouri, where he spent his entire life. Nathan was a proud graduate of David H. Hickman High School, Class of 1971. He furthered his education at Columbia College before dedicating much of his life to serving his community. Nathan began his career at University of Missouri Hospital as an EMT before joining the Columbia Fire Department in 1979, where he started as a Fire Fighter and eventually retired as a Division Chief in 2004. His commitment to his profession was evident in his unwavering dedication and exemplary service.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Nathan was deeply involved in organizations NAEMT (National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians) and MEMSA (Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association), which extended his career and shaped the landscape of emergency medical services in Missouri.
Nathan married his beloved wife, Mary Ann Meador, on December 21, 1974, sharing 49 years of marriage. Their union produced three children: Sons Corey Williams and Jonathan Williams, and daughter Rebecca Williams. Nathan is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann Williams, his sons Corey Williams and Jonathan Williams, daughter Rebecca Williams all of Columbia, MO, Sister Marjorie Williams of Kansas City MO, Aunt Shirley Kelly of Columbia, MO, Brother John Gardner, Jr. of Columbia, MO, grandchildren Jeramy Williams, Felipe Jackson, Collen Baker, Cameron Baker, all of Columbia, MO, and Regan Rogers of Ashland, MO and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan R. Williams, Sr., Vernice Williams, and his sister Dora Carter.
Nathan was a member of Victory Christian Church, where his faith was a guiding force in his life, influencing his actions and interactions with others.
A celebration of Nathan's life will be held at Victory Christian Church, located at 1705 N Ballenger Lane, Columbia, MO 65202, on June 1st, 2024. Visitation will begin at 11 AM, followed by services at noon.
Nathan will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his legacy of service, faith, and love will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.
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Memories from an NAEMT member:
Nathan was a great leader and an all round good person.