Friday Feature: Alumni John Williams '76
"Rabun Gap is an oasis in a traumatic world. The school gives students a chance to learn and explore in an environment of beauty and serenity. It instilled the kind of Christian values that continue to guide my life."
John Williams ‘76 is a Senior Regional Sales Manager for a Swiss technology company and lives in Cumming, GA with his wife, Melissa. They have four children and two grandchildren.
Williams grew up in Dillard, GA. He started at Rabun Gap after having attended Dillard Community School for his elementary years. After leaving Rabun Gap, he attended Southern Tech, a division of Georgia Tech at the time. He started his career working mainly in electromechanical manufacturing.
What would you say makes Rabun Gap a special place?
Rabun Gap is an oasis in a traumatic world. The school gives students a chance to learn and explore in an environment of beauty and serenity. It instilled the kind of Christian values that continue to guide my life.
Were there any coaches/teachers who had an impact on you during your time at Rabun Gap?
There were phenomenal teachers at Rabun Gap - teachers I will always remember. The one teacher who most stands out for me was Dess Oliver. I was there the first year he started teaching at Rabun Gap. He was often loud and demanding, but he never asked for more than you could do and he instilled confidence that you could do more. Fortunately, I was able to see him again at the chair presentation ceremony a few years back. Many of my personal and professional successes in life can be attributed to his encouragement.
What advice would you give current students?
Many of the students there today are anxious to move on and to make their mark on the world. That time will come soon enough. I would just encourage today’s student to soak up the surrounding and experiences. These are the pleasant and fun memories that will last a lifetime. Supporting Rabun Gap, and its Christian values of Work Study Worship has always been an import way to “pass it on” to the next generation and generations to come.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
