News Releases

A tree was planted in the University of Tennessee Gardens on April 30 in memory of the man who was called “a sculptor of word, stone, landscapes, and lives.”

The late Dr. Don Williams was professor emeritus of ornamental horticulture and landscape design, past Macebearer for the University, and a well-respected, teacher, advisor and mentor. In addition to a career that spanned 38 years at UT, and he was well known to the Tennessee nursery industry and to gardeners across the state.

The ‘Village Green’ Zelkova that was planted in the gardens was the first tree selected to be a Don Williams Memorial Tree. A gathering of about 75 family, faculty, and staff as well as civic leaders was on hand to honor Williams’ memory and witness the event.

Dr. Susan Hamilton, director of the UT Gardens, said the ‘Village Green’ Zelkova is prominent on a list of trees Williams was passionate about in terms of horticulture and gardening design. Hamilton said the UT Gardens intends to plant a series of Don Williams Memorial Trees.

The first tree was donated by the Knoxville Tree Board, of which Williams was a charter member. The Knoxville Tree Board also donated $500 to help establish the Don Williams Endowed Professorship in Horticulture.

Dr. Joe Johnson, UT president emeritus, officiated at the ceremony, and Frank Rothermel, chairman of the Knoxville Tree Board and president of Denark Construction, Inc., presented the check to Williams’ widow, Mrs. Sue Williams, as other family members looked on.

A new park bench donated by the Knoxville Tree Board was installed near the tree so that visitors will have an additional spot to relax in the UT Gardens.

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