Bill Henry Williams

Bill Henry Williams was born in Sycamore, SC to Jessie Williams and Annie Mae (Thomas) Williams on October 16, 1946. He was fondly known as “Mr. Bill”, “Bill Will”, “Wild Bill”, “Willie”, “Foots Williams”, “Bill the Pill”, and “Joe Cool” He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Ellen Hart. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gwendolyn (Swanigan) Williams, son Brian H. (Kathianne) Williams and granddaughter Abeni, and daughter Trina L. Williams, who lovingly cared for him during his five-year onset and battle with cancer. She was the blessing needed to navigate all of his medical appointments, needs and issues.

Bill spent most of his early childhood In Sycamore and Allendale SC before his parents moved to Jacksonville FL and would travel back there every summer. He attended Jacksonville public schools and graduated from New Stanton Sr. High School in 1964. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1964, retiring in 1988 after 23+ years of service. He received numerous service awards and ribbons during his career. He loved everything about being in the Air Force even when he was stationed in remote or inhospitable places.

Bill was the quintessential man of few words. He could appear to be unemotional, distant or detached from situations or conversations. His silent and stoic demeanor could be scary at times but could also be what made you calm down. So much of what many remember about him was his unassuming presence wherever he happened to be, even in a crowd of hundreds or thousands of people. He had an uncanny ability to recall dates, times, situations, names and places that few others could match. Ask him about something from 40 or 50 years ago and be prepared for either a “just the facts” answer or a long-winded detailed response; the only time he would talk for more than a minute or two.

His stoicism disappeared whenever he told stories about Sycamore and Allendale. His vivid memories of his elders and cousins “down on the farm” would light up his face. On family visits, he would take his kids all around showing them places that he and his cousins use to fish, play and explore as children. He would let them chase any animal moving around the farm. They ran after chickens, hogs, squirrels, and rabbits. Then they picked watermelons from the field that they would eat right away. He was very proud of his ancestral connections to farming and country living.

Bill’s 79 years on earth was filled with experiences, memories, and journeys that made him the man he became. He was humble, caring, sometimes funny, sometimes silly, and sometimes stubborn. But above all, he showed patience and genuine concern for all he connected with. His unyielding loyalty and love for family and friends was unshakeable. He was known as the person who would always be there when you needed his help or advice; never giving the impression that your needs were unimportant or would interrupt his life. His long-time friendships with his military associates as well as the 1964 graduating class of New Stanton Senior High School is a testament to the importance he gave to staying in touch with those whose friendships he valued.

He leaves to mourn his passing his Aunt Deen (James) Ashley, sisters Minnie L. Kelsey- Bridges (Andrew) and Monzell Cohen, and many, many cousins, nieces, and nephews living in NC, SC, FL, NY, TX, NJ, and VA. He will surely be missed by many. Rest in Glory Mr. Bill.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 12:00PM for a Memorial Service, followed by Full Military Honors at St James United Methodist Church, 1533 W Queen St, Hampton, VA 23669; Head Pastor: Rev. Marcus M. Stallworth will be officiating the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the following organizations. When donating, please select the option to dedicate your gift in memory of Bill Henry Williams. Please see link below for: Disabled American Veterans, Homes For Our Troops, and American Lung Association.