Willie Williams Obituary

Willie Williams was born in Vidalia, GA. on October 26, 1941, to the parents of James and Daisy
Williams. The seventh of twelve children, Willie was affectionately known as “Buddy”. He was
preceded in death by his son Willie Bernard Williams, both parents and six siblings. Willie made
the transition gently and peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, after an extended
illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife Dorothy and other family members while the song
Transitions by Todd Curry was being played.
He grew up surrounded by love, with a prayerful and devoted mother. He graduated from J.D.
Dickerson High School in 1961 alongside his sister Delores. Buddy loved sports and played
high school football.
He married the love of his life, childhood friend and schoolmate Dorothy Burton. During the
course of their 63-year marriage, Willie and Dorothy raised two children, Alphonso Williams and
Phyllis James. In 1968, Willie relocated his family to Long Beach, California. They would
relocate to Compton, California in 1985 where they would later raise their grandson Alphonso
Ryan Willams.
Willie worked for many years at the Long Beach Naval Station Shipyard and later retired as a
Federal Safety Engineer.
Willie was active in his community and his love of sports led him to coaching basketball for over
four decades. During one of his many youth basketball camps he coached current NBA
superstar James Harden of the LA Clippers. He touched the lives of countless children and
families and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Buddy loved family above all. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife Dorothy
Williams, and children Alphonso Williams (Angie) of Gilbert, AZ; Phyllis James (Ray) of Long
Beach, CA; Phillis Harris of Compton, CA; Sheryl “Lynn” Goodwin of Orlando, FL; M. Sherece
Leonard of Vidalia, GA; Anthony McClelland of Vidalia, GA; Tracy Blair (Miranda) of Vidalia, GA,
Baron Blackshear of Vidalia, GA; Sage Glasper of Savannah, GA; five siblings Thelma Williams
of Tacoma, WA; Delores Williams of Vidalia, GA; Luther Ray Williams (Gloria) of Vidalia, GA,
Franklin Williams (Jean) of Vidalia, GA; Virginia McLendon (James) of Tacoma, WA; and a host
of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.