12,
1932
30,
2019
Bennie Williams was born on September 12, 1932, in Kershaw County, South Carolina, the youngest of six children to Blanch B. (Stover) and Minion Williams.
He attended public school in Hartsville, South Carolina. In 1951, he enlisted in the army and served his country honorably in the Korean War.
In 1955 he married Claudette (Hazel) Williams (1932-1960): from this marriage they had one daughter, Lori. A few years later, he married Delores Barbara (Burrell) Williams (1936-1989): from this union they had two children: Edward Scott Williams and Barbara Theresa Williams.
For 25 years he worked as a campus police at Columbia University. He enjoyed sports, especially football – both professional and college. He also had a great sense of history – very often you could ask him one question and you would get the WHOLE story from beginning to end. He also knew a lot about the family history and was often referred to as the ‘family historian’.
Bennie had a quiet strength and you never knew what he was thinking, when asked he would say, “It’s all right” or “Don’t worry about it” “It will be okay”. While not demonstrative, he showed his loved for his family by traveling to visit them often and/or calling to check on everyone – it could be a long conversation or just a short “Just checking on you” in either case, it was with sincerity, care and affection. We knew we could always count on him.
On March 30, 2019, God’s hand touched Bennie and he slept.
Bennie is survived by his sister Josephine Alexander, daughters: Lori and Barbara (Terry) Williams, grandchildren: Yvette Libertis-Williams, Delores Williams and Harold Aponte. Great-grandchildren: Sierra Williams, Jayla Libertis-Williams, Christian Libertis-Williams, Messiah Williams, longtime companion Shirley Thomas, and a host of nieces/nephews, friends, and colleagues.
He was predeceased by his son; Edward (Scotty) Williams; parents: Blanch & Minion Williams: brothers: Ira, Elve, and Willie Williams, sister: Myrtel Lee (Williams) Jackson.
Bennie, we will miss you and never forget you, we will always love you and we are so grateful to you for having been in our lives.
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