Every Christmas, David “Lumpy” Williams would put on a Santa Claus suit and ride into town in a vintage fire truck. It was a tradition that went on for more than 30 years and was beloved by residents who called Williams “Lumpy“ because of his size.
But on Tuesday, Williams suffered a fatal heart attack while driving to his sister‘s office in Corte Madera the Press Democrat is reporting. He was 61.
Williams was a native of Massachusetts who settled in Sonoma in 1975 after getting a job at the Sonoma Developmental Center in Glen Ellen, according to the Press Democrat.
He later was the executive director of the Valley of the Moon Boys & Girls Club, a promotions manager for the Sebastiani Theatre and general manager of the restaurant and bar at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.
Williams is survived by sister Judith Williams of Rio Nido and brother Gary Williams of Novato.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Nov. 3 at Sebastiani Theater in Sonoma. The family suggests donations to the theater’s foundation, P.O. Box 874, Sonoma, 95476.
Did you know David "Lumpy" Williams? Share your memories in the comments below.