Theodore A. Williams Sr.

My wife, Diana and I were sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. I met Ted Williams in May of 1988 when I had the opportunity to interview with him for a Sales position at Gordon Flesch Company. Ted came in to speak with me even though he was away from the office recovering from a rotator cuff injury I believe he suffered while water skiing. That would be Ted’s character – always going out of his way to help someone. Ted was a difference-maker in our lives. Much more than that – he was THE difference maker. He offered me a Sales territory at one of the best sales organizations in the land. He also tutored me and along with many of the other outstanding people in that company, showed me how to sell, serve others and carve out a great life for my family. I was lucky to work under his direction for the first ten years of my tenure before his retirement. However, his guidance did not stop there. Several years later when I was fortunate enough to be chosen to a leadership position as Branch Manager, Ted called and invited me to his home for lunch. Jeanne made us sandwiches and Ted and I spoke about the position in great depth. He gave me pen and paper and said, “Jay, I am going to give you some advice and I want you to write it down. Read it over from time to time and use it as your guideline for success in your new position”. I still have those pages today and referred to them often during my time in management. I found I typically made mistakes whenever I strayed from his principles. Bottom line - he did not have to ask me to his home and share his insights with me but again, that was Ted Williams. I called him when I decided to retire just over two years ago, and I thanked him for all he had done for me and my family. He was quick to congratulate me and offer retirement advice as well. If not for Ted’s offer of the Sales position and his guidance as a manager, I would not be nearly as successful and fortunate as I am today. I will not be able to attend the celebration of life on May 25th, but I will be there in spirit and a part of Ted Williams will always be a part of me. I am very grateful and thankful he came into my life. My condolences and sympathies to the entire family. Have a wonderful celebration of Ted’s life. Sincerely, Jay Erfurth