GB's Place was a five-stool establishment across the street from Smyrna's railroad depot that Vonceil Williams and her husband, GB, operated for 37 years. It shook like crazy when a train roared past, but that didn't matter. The combined grocery and eatery's reputation for short-order food drew a steady clientele, including locals and World War II servicemen.
A dressed dog or dressed burger meant the order arrived at the table on a big platter smothered in chili.
"Some of the best chili you ever had," said Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon, who as a teenager worked at the diner before it closed in 1974.
The Williamses had other business ventures that included GB's Stables and GB's Lake, which still operate on the family compound off Hurt Road. The family matriarch often was found there, digging in the dirt.
"Mrs. Williams was nonstop," said Mr. Bacon, who boards a horse at the stables. "She was either working in the garden, picking up stuff or walking around telling you about different things. She was definitely a giver, and she liked to do some crazy stuff."
In 2005, Mrs. Williams slid down the fire pole at a Smyrna station to celebrate her 82nd birthday. She still rode horses at 80 and until recently took water aerobics twice weekly.
In January, Eula Vonceil Curtis Williams underwent hip replacement surgery, partly motivated that she'd be able to plant her garden this spring and dance at a grandson's May wedding. Mrs. Williams, 87, died on Friday at Wellstar Cobb Hospital after contracting an infection following the surgery.
A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday at Milford Baptist Church in Marietta. Carmichael Funeral Home of Smyrna is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Milford, the family church.
Mrs. Williams was born in Smyrna, lived in Canton and then returned to her hometown in 1940. She married GB Williams after a two-month courtship that included horse rides all over Cobb County.
In 1949, the couple purchased a 100-acre tract of land that remains virtually untouched by suburban excess. Riding lessons are offered at the stables; people can fish in the lake for a fee. Chad Williams, a grandson, oversees the operations.
Mr. Williams' enterprises included a string of gas stations and a construction company. He also was a founder of the Bank of Smyrna, which is now Wells Fargo. He died in 2002.
State Rep. Terry Johnson of Marietta called the Williamses a pioneer family. He's been a guest at the Williams family barbecue held yearly to show appreciation for the community.
"GB's Lake is a destination everybody knows, just a landmark," Mr. Johnson said. "Her [death] is a hit for our community and their family."
Additional survivors include sons James Daniel Williams and Terry Dwayne Williams of Smyrna, daughter Mary Diane Acree of Ellijay, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
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