Williams A/V announced that Gerald Ivar “Jerry” Williams, a pioneer in the field of assistive listening technology and founder of the company bearing his name, passed away in late November, 2023, at the age of 96.
A native Minnesotan, Williams’ journey into the world of electronics began during World War II when he enlisted in the Navy and served as an Electronic Technician’s Mate aboard the USS Artemis. The rapid technological advancements in electronics during the war ignited his passion for the field, setting the stage for a remarkable career marked by innovation.
After graduating with an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota, Williams made significant contributions to the electronics industry, playing a role in developing color TV receivers for Zenith and serving as part of the team that developed the UNIVAC File Computer at Engineering Research Associates.
In 1958, he co-founded Transistor Electronics Corp, where he designed and manufactured computer displays. His journey continued at Control Data, where he served on the technical management staff until 1979. By the time he left Control Data, he held seven patents covering a variety of digital data displays, electrical circuit switching, and signal controls.
However, Williams’ enduring legacy lies in the company that bears his name and the products he created. In the mid-1970s, prompted by a request from his pastor to help those with hearing loss in the congregation, he conceived The Personal PA Broadcasting System. By broadcasting the service from an AM radio transmitter, listeners with a pocket radio receiver and earphones could sit anywhere they chose, control their own volume, and hear the service directly without background noise. However, the FCC issued revisions in 1975 that limited the power of unlicensed low-frequency transmitters. With two trips to the FCC, Williams negotiated a nationwide frequency for hearing assistance transmitters to operate with increased power.
With his wife, Lorraine, he established Williams Sound Corp. in 1976, which is dedicated to supporting people with hearing loss. Following the Personal PA, the next development was a personal amplifier called the Pocketalker, which helped establish the Assistive Listening Device, or ALD market. Since 1982, the Pocketalker remains a leading product in the ALD marketplace and has helped millions of hard-of-hearing people worldwide, including veterans who suffered hearing loss. Throughout the years, his commitment to aiding those with hearing loss led Williams Sound to continue to trailblaze the AV industry’s assistive listening space, including the introduction of FM radio and Infrared assistive listening products with features such as multi-channel operation and frequency agility.
Williams also established a unique culture that lives on at the company. His deep faith guided him to create a work environment that was family-oriented, professional, and respectful, with a strong service orientation. He fostered a “Golden Rule” approach within the company and especially with customers that lives on today.
He retired from Williams Sound in 1987, but his passion for helping others persisted. Even in retirement, he generously volunteered his expertise to enhance the sound systems of local churches and mentored aspiring audio-visual and recording professionals.
Nearly 50 years since its inception, Williams Sound, now Williams AV, remains dedicated to ensuring public spaces are accessible, with assistive listening products at the core of its business. Moreover, the company has broadened his goal of enhancing communication through assistive devices for language interpretation, wireless intercom, guided tours, and entertainment. Today, the company’s products are available in more than 60 countries, expanding Williams’ vision to connect people through improved communication.
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