Editing Grier Williams

{{Infobox Biography
| subject_name   =Grier Williams
| image_name     =
| image_size     =
| image_caption  =
| date_of_birth  =[[June 18]], [[1931]]
| place_of_birth = Jacksonville,Duval,Florida,USA
| date_of_death  =[[April 19]], [[2004]]
| place_of_death =
| occupation     =Music director
| religion       =Presbyterian
| spouse         =[[Louise Harvin Williams]]
| parents        =[[Jonathan Beatty Williams]] [[Mary Agnes Williams]]
| children       =Stephen Harvin Williams<br/>Grier Moffatt Williams, Jr.
}}
'''Grier Moffatt Williams, Sr.''' ([[1931]]-[[2004]]) was a music director and educator best known for his 17-year tenure with the [[Pensacola Symphony Orchestra]]. He also served as choir director of [[First Presbyterian Church]] for 20 years.

Born on [[June 18]], [[1931]], Williams attended Davidson College, where he met his wife, [[Louise Harvin Williams|Louise Harvin]]. A lifelong musician, his instrument of choice was the trumpet.

Williams founded the [[UWF Music Department|Music Department]] of the nascent [[University of West Florida]] in [[1967]] and helped it earn national accreditation.

In [[1979]], he was asked to serve as interim music director and conductor of the [[Pensacola Symphony Orchestra]]. Under his leadership, the PSO broadened its repertoire, increased ticket sales, and moved its performance venue from the [[Pensacola High School]] auditorium to the newly-renovated [[Saenger Theatre]] in [[1982]].

In [[1990]], Williams invited schoolteacher [[Susan Pote]] to assemble a group of children to accompany the orchestra for choral pieces. The group was immensely successful and grew into the standalone [[Pensacola Children's Chorus]].

Williams retired from the PSO in [[1996]]. He was succeeded by [[Peter Rubardt]], who praised Williams for setting the orchestra "on a path to professionalism."

He passed away on [[April 19]], [[2004]] while recovering from a heart attack.

{{bio-stub}}

==References==
{{refbegin}}
*"Musical guiding light Grier Williams dies." ''Pensacola News Journal'', April 20, 2004.
*"Loved ones celebrate life of renowned musician." ''Pensacola News Journal'', April 23, 2004.
{{refend}}

[[Category:Music directors|Williams, Grier]] [[Category:Pensacola Symphony Orchestra|Williams, Grier]]