Clarence Williams

Clarence Ainsworth Williams was born and raised in St. Thomas, Jamaica, West Indies on March 6, 1940. He was one of seven children born to James O. Williams and Alice M. Williams (nee: Harding). He died peacefully on September 15, 2023, in the company of his children.

In school, Clarence was a bright student and played ping pong, cricket, and soccer. His work experience began as a Refinery Technician and Deputy Supervisor at Esso Refinery Limited in Kingston, Jamaica. In 1970, he emigrated to Brooklyn, New York. Higher education was always essential to him. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree with honors from New Jersey Institute of Technology while working full-time. His career at American Electric Power (AEP) began in 1973 and brought him and his family to Columbus, Ohio when the company moved from New York City in 1983. During the early years in Columbus, he eagerly returned to his love of soccer, this time as a coach for his son Dale’s team.

He retired as a Senior Project Coordinator after 25 years with AEP but continued to actively take part in AEP Alumni activities. When he retired, he fully took on the role he loved most: Grandpa.

Clarence was a life-long fan of reggae music. He enjoyed OSU football, exercising and socializing at McConnell Heart Health Center, and watching game shows on TV. An engineer at heart, he often worked on DIY projects around his house. Clarence conducted himself with integrity and shared his sense of humor with everyone he met. His children and grandchildren recite his often-told jokes and stories by heart. His love for and devotion to his family truly defined Clarence. He lived by his deeply held beliefs: there is no excuse for sloppiness; knowledge is power; education is a burden to get, but no load to carry; only your best is good enough; learn from your mistakes or misfortunes; enjoy the splendor and inspiration of nature; do not trouble trouble…let trouble trouble you; and mind ya fall.

Clarence never stopped missing his childhood sweetheart and beloved wife, Hyacinth D. Williams, and was by her side when she passed away after 49 years of marriage.

He will be deeply missed by his children: Donna (Michael) Gerhardt, Denise Williams, and Dale (Amy) Williams; granddaughters: Ashley, Celia, Aurianna, Isabella, Mia, and Kayla; siblings: Veronica Williams, Gerald Williams, and George Williams; sisters-in-law: Linley (Winston) Swaby and Beverley (Joseph) Blake; many nieces and nephews; extended family members including the Bancroft and Walden families; long-time neighbors on Renford Court; and countless dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 26th starting at 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Schoedinger Funeral Home at 6699 N. High Street in Worthington, Ohio.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday, September 27th at 11:00am at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 30 West Woodruff Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. Interment at Kingwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kobacker House/OhioHealth Hospice or Neuroscience Wellness Center at OhioHealth Foundation: www.ohiohealth.com/ohiohealth-foundation/giving-options

OhioHealth Foundation

3430 OhioHealth Parkway, Fl. 3

Columbus, OH 43202

Please visit www.schoedinger.com to leave memories and condolences for Clarence's family.