MCDONOUGH - A month before Maclin Williams became a father, he lost his own.
In October 2014, Williams' father died of heart failure at just 59 years old. It left him to navigate fatherhood without the man he expected would be his biggest source of guidance & support.
"You lose your biggest helper that you expect when you become a new dad," Williams said.
More than a decade later, that loss continues to shape the work he's doing in Henry County.
In 2023, Williams launched the McDonough Walking Club as a way to bring people together and encourage healthier lifestyles. But over time, he noticed something troubling. Women consistently showed up. Men often did not.
That observation sparked an idea that grew into last week's Men's Health to Men's Wealth Conference. This daylong event brought together community leaders, mentors, business professionals, and health advocates to discuss the challenges facing men and boys.
Two generations of fathers. Left: Williams' father holding him as a baby. Right: Williams holding his own son years later.
The conference exceeded Williams' expectations.
As the event wrapped up and attendees prepared to head home, something unexpected happened.
"People stopped me and thanked me for putting it all together because they got so much out of it," he said.
For Williams, the moment carried deeper meaning.
"My dad would be proud," he reflected. "I'm always working to make him proud, which is hard because I'll never get to hear him say it again."
He paused before adding what may be the real reason behind everything he does.
"My dad never got the chance to tell me he was proud of the dad I became, so I'm always working from behind. But I'll always work to give that chance to other dads out there."
As the father of an 11 year old son, Williams believes children learn more from what they see than what they are told. That's why he continues to invest his time building opportunities for fathers, sons, and families to connect.
This Father's Day, his mission is simple: help more dads stay healthy enough to be present for the moments that matter most.
Because sometimes the greatest gift a father can give his family is simply more time.
Connect with Maclin Williams
🚶 McDonough Walking Club