Dr. Samuel L. Williams

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Educator

Dr. Samuel “S.L.” Williams, a devoted educator, lifelong fisherman, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, in Hollywood, Florida. He was 91.

Born on October 29, 1933, in Tampa, Florida, Samuel lived a life defined by resilience, determination, and independence. Once deemed an incorrigible truant in his youth, his life took a positive turn thanks to a dedicated high school teacher who saw his potential. That encouragement sparked a lifelong love of learning, ultimately leading Samuel to graduate from Middleton Senior High School in Tampa, earn degrees in education from Edward Waters College and Florida A & M University, and later earn a Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Williams dedicated his career to shaping minds—not only those of the students he served as a school principal, but also the many teachers he mentored along the way. He was deeply passionate about empowering educators and always championed what was best for students, believing that education could be transformative—because it had been for him.

Outside the classroom, S.L. was an avid fisherman, spending most Saturdays casting a line at Everglades Holiday Park or Lake Okeechobee, rain or shine. He also earned a reputation for being a no-nonsense basketball referee, a self-proclaimed handyman, and for taking pride in the appearance of his lawn.

Samuel is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Ophelia; daughters, Sheila Pressley and Tymira Mack (Derrick); grandchildren, Jasmine Pressley, Taylor King (Edward), Kennedy Mack, and Chandler Mack; surrogate son, Mark Betterson; and multiple siblings in the Tampa, Florida area. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Billy; mother, Laura Pullins Robinson; and father, Ernest Williams.

He will be remembered for the way he turned trials into triumphs, his deep commitment to education, and his devotion to the generational well-being of his family.

A public visitation for Dr. Samuel will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33024. A public visitation will occur Friday, May 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at New Jerusalem First Baptist Church, 2254 Douglas St, Hollywood, FL 33020. Celebration of Life will occur Friday, May 16, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at New Jerusalem First Baptist Church, 2254 Douglas St, Hollywood, FL 33020. An interment will occur Friday, May 16, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens North., 3001 N 72nd Ave, Hollywood, FL 33024. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in his honor to a local scholarship fund supporting future educators.