The event is part of Marion County’s local celebration of National Farm City Week, which will be observed from November 15 through 22, 2025. The celebration will honor Jack Williams for his decades of service, leadership, and achievements in agriculture.

A fourth-generation farmer and rancher in North Marion County, Williams has spent his life working the land. Despite not having extensive formal education, he developed significant practical expertise through years of hands-on experience, innovation, and dedication.

In the 1970s, Williams partnered with his father to form Williams and Williams Farm and Custom Work, offering custom services on thousands of acres throughout the region. The operation earned recognition for growing record-breaking soybean yields on Payne’s Prairie.

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Williams managed his own row crop, hay, and commercial cattle operations while also serving as the farm operations manager for Richardson Brothers for more than 30 years, working alongside his dear friend Kay Richardson.

In 2009, Williams and his family opened Coon Hollo Farm, which is reported as Marion County’s longest-operating agritourism destination. For over 60 years, Williams embodied the spirit of a true “Jack of all Trades.” A dedicated farmer, rancher, mechanic, and fabricator, Williams worked the land on the north end of Marion County with passion and purpose. He raised commercial beef cattle, grew vegetables, row crops, and hay. Through his vision and hospitality, he created a place where families could experience the beauty of agriculture firsthand and build lasting memories.

Williams’ agricultural journey began early. A proud and active member of FFA, he exhibited steers at the Southeastern Fat Stock Show and earned the American Farmer Degree in 1962. That same year, he was one of only four students in the nation to receive a welder through the FFA National Electrification Program, sparking a lifelong passion and talent for fabrication.

His service to the agricultural industry is deep and enduring. He was active in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program, served on the Board of Directors for the Marion County Farm Bureau, and was a member of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. Williams has been a proud member of the Marion County Farm Bureau since 1962, serving as a director from 1988 to 2006. His outstanding contributions to agriculture earned him recognition as the 1968 Young Farmers and Ranchers Member of the Year and 2014 Man of the Year from the Town of McIntosh.

Beyond agriculture, Williams believes in giving back to his community. He dedicated a lifetime of service to the McIntosh Lions Club and has served as a faithful member of McIntosh United Methodist Church for more than 60 years.

He and his wife, Victoria “Ginny” Williams, have been married for 63 years and raised a close-knit family who remain active in the agricultural community. Several of his children and grandchildren are expected to speak at the event, sharing stories of Jack’s legacy and impact — including participation in 4-H and the Cattlemen’s Sweetheart Court among the younger generations.

Jack Williams has a legacy of hard work, innovation, and community spirit that will continue to inspire generations to come.

The public is invited to attend this meaningful event and celebrate one of Marion County’s most respected agricultural leaders.

For information about induction ceremony sponsorships or to purchase tickets, contact Crystal McCazzio, Marion County Extension Director and Extension Agent III, at 352-671-8400 or CFincher@ufl.edu.