Kenneth C. Williams – Class of 1943

Kenneth C. Williams was born June 10, 1925 in Ogden, Utah.  Only days later, his mother Mabel Williams, and father, David Williams moved with their newborn son to Sparks, Nevada.  While attending Sparks High School, Williams flourished as an athlete in football and basketball.  Unfortunately, his senior year (1943) was cut short when he was drafted to fight for our country in World War II.  However, Kenneth never let the war change his positive perspective.

            Williams came back to Reno after serving in the war and continued his education at The University of Nevada, Reno.  In 1954, he earned his teaching degree in Chemistry.  After graduating from college, he taught for several years in Fernley, Nevada then returned to teach at Sparks High School before setting out on a new adventure.  A man of seriousness and determination, Williams opened a new school, Reed high School, where he served as a principal and as a chemistry teacher.  When he wasn’t running a chemistry laboratory or a brand-new school, he was coaching the baseball team.  Many of his close friends and family describe Williams as a man who loved education and admired sports.  Williams was involved in every aspect of Reed High School because he felt that was the best way to know what his fellow staff and students needed.  Kenneth had three children – David, Kendyl , and Jan (both Jan and Kendyl were also involved in education in Northern Nevada).  Unfortunately, Williams was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, with which he fought a long and tough battle for fifteen years before it ultimately won on April 12, 2012.

Inducted 2013