The mission of Kiwanis is to improve the world one child and one community at a time. Throughout his incredible 52 years with the organization, Dr. Fred Williams has taken this mission to heart.

After receiving three degrees including a Ph.D. from Florida State University, Fred got to work tackling one community project at a time. Now Tallahassee owes much to the many years of Fred’s efforts. Even though he retired from a career that included service as an urban planner and education development consultant, in 2000, he continues to improve the community.

Fred was essential in establishing Tallahassee’s Innovation Park, developed and coached youth soccer in Tallahassee, and supported educational systems across the state. For the past 17 years, he has channeled his passion for coordination and consultation into his work with Elder Care Services. And for the past eight of his post-retirement years, he has served as Chairman of the Big Bend Immunization Coalition, a group dedicated to educating the public on the importance of immunizations.

Surprisingly, at age 78, Fred still manages to find time for hobbies. A long-time coin collector and amateur genealogist, he has written the histories of 25 branches of his family dating back to the Plymouth Colony. He is also a member of Capital Chordsmen, the Tallahassee Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, which presents its annual Beatles Barbershop Show in early June.

An active member of the community who hasn’t let age slow him down, Fred encourages others to follow suit and stay active in both mind and body. He believes his drive to start new projects and conquer new challenges has kept him going through the years, and he wants future generations to share his passion.

Fred Williams views his age as a source of inspiration when he works with fellow seniors. “People come to me saying they can’t do things because of their age,” he says, “and I just tell them, I’m 78 – if I can do it, so can you!”