Dr. Ernest R. Williams

Beloved husband of Barbara Jackson Williams for 54 years; father of four children: Roxanne Lacy (Lewis Lacy), Robert Powell, Ernest R. Williams Jr. (Lydia) and LeRoy A. Williams; grandfather of seven: Clarence, Gabrielle, Sarita, Shawn, Sabrina, Thalia and Royce; great grandfather of four; great-great grandfather of one; and a dear friend to many.

Ernest was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 19, 1933 to parents Ernest Edgar and Willa Mae. He, and his younger brother LeRoy Alfred (who passed away in 2023), were raised by their grandparents Alberta and Willie.

In his early years, “Ernie” attended Central High School where he was recognized for being an outstanding student-athlete who competed in Cross-Country, Track & Field and Basketball. He and his brother were even known to play pickup basketball in Philly, at times playing with (which they preferred), or against (which they tried to avoid), a very tall friend of theirs named Wilt Chamberlain.

During this young age he also sang in the Church Quartet, and developed his lifelong love of music, especially gospel, jazz and the blues. Very few people knew that he could play the piano and was a beautiful singer. He enjoyed attending live music performances, like the Newport, Monterey, and Playboy Jazz Festivals as well as Jazz & Blues Caravans in LA. At music festivals, he could be seen strolling, carrying his favorite folding chair and his thermos (way before it was trendy to carry stainless steel water bottles). He also took that comfy chair of his to countless local, national and international track & field meets. He was thrilled to watch athletes compete in the Olympics, such as Atlanta (1996) and Beijing (2008) with his childhood friends: Ben Johnson, Esq. and Dr. John T. Williams. The ‘three amigos’ would call each other “City” in reference to their hometown of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.

He was the first in his family to attend college where he excelled in his studies. He graduated from Lincoln University (an all-male HBCU at the time) with honors, where he also pledged as a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Beta Chapter, Spring 1952. Ernest became “Private Williams” for two years serving in the U.S. Army (honorable discharge in 1958), before going on to attend medical school at Howard University College of Medicine, Class of 1963. He also earned a Master of Public Health Administration at the University of Michigan in 1977.

Between earning his college, doctorate and master’s degrees, somehow, he found time to work at the U.S. Post Office for 10 years and be a Math, Science and English Teacher with the Philadelphia Public School System for two years. He was even a professional tailor making his own suits.

“Doc” as he was affectionately called, would go on to have a remarkable 60-year career as a physician. He began as a pediatrician, continued to private practice in General-Family Medicine, and specialized in Correctional Health Care. Dr. Williams led medical operations in the Philadelphia Department of Prisons as the Medical Director for 13+ years and served as the Medical Director leading correctional medical services for Orange County Correctional Health Care Agency for 20+ years respectively. His calm demeanor and thoughtful disposition, even under the most stressful and dangerous circumstances, was especially evident inside the county’s jail facility where he was responsible for the basic and emergency medical services for approximately 6,000 inmates per day and over 60,000 inmates per year. During his career, Dr. Williams created, authored and led top correctional healthcare policies that remain as industry best-practices today, such as HIV-AIDS testing and prevention, healthcare for women in prisons, healthy foods in correctional facilities, and mental health services among other improvements in the quality of U.S. healthcare for inmates. He was considered among the nation’s leading experts in correctional health, including testifying in courts and appearing in notable publications. He was also a key member of the State of Pennsylvania Governor’s Health Task Force, and Chairperson for the Medical Advisory Board of the Pennsylvania’s State Athletic Commission. Few know that during his career, he connected his passion for sports and medicine by becoming a Ringside Physician for Amateur Boxing (1977-1989) and Ringside Physician for Professional Wrestling (now the WWE).

The numerous medical awards and leadership recognitions he received throughout his admirable career, however, stood second behind his primary drive, which was to help those in need, or as he would simply say, “Do what’s right.” He humbly continued to serve and provide medical care for underrepresented and marginalized communities for numerous years after his retirement. In fact, he maintained an active medical license until he was 90-years old. He considered himself to be a life-long learner: he kept up with new technology, learning alongside his grandchildren; he joined Toastmasters to improve his public speaking; learned how to play chess to keep his mind sharp; and took golf lessons well into his 80’s still working to improve his golf game.

Behind that quiet and calm demeanor, was also Ernie, the fierce competitor. He reigned as the Pinnacle Champ, especially with his ultimate Pinnacle partner, his wife Barbara. Some called him “The Runner” because he competed in more than 10 marathons (that the family knows of) – in Philadelphia, Boston, NYC, San Diego, Long Beach and LA. Some knew him as “The Pro” because he played golf for 45+ years, including playing at his home course, “The Wick” in Santa Ana (30+ years). He took annual golf trips with his buddies George King, Tom Uram, David Lee, Les Wiederinski, Basil Gilfillian, Maurice Wilbert, Riccardo Stevens; and was proud of his multiple hole-in-ones. His competitive drive was matched only by his immense joy during the special Father-Son outings playing golf with his sons, Ernie [Jr.] and Lee.

Doc’s most cherished moments was time spent with his wife and family – together at home or traveling across the U.S. and world: Bahamas, China, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, West- and South Africa.

May he continue his travels with God. He had the ability to find joy in everyday moments, and his warm, pleasant, humble personality and charm endeared him to his family, church, fraternity, community, patients, and many friends. He leaves a lasting impression on all of us. We miss him dearly, yet he lives in our hearts forever.

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CELEBRATION OF LIFE

In memory and celebration of Dr. Ernest Roosevelt Williams, a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 17 at 11 a.m. -1 p.m. PT at Second Baptist Church in Santa Ana, CA. (livestream https://youtube.com/live/XhBiJ113CfY?feature=share)

In lieu of flowers or bereavement gifts, the family invite you to support music/the arts in his name at Segerstrom Center for The Arts - https://secure.givelively.org/donate/segerstrom-center-for-the-arts/ernest-williams-6, or to continue to uplift under-represented communities by making a contribution to Willowick “The Wick” Golf Course [tax id 95-6005848] -- (714) 790-0115, ext. 1 "In Memory of Dr. Ernest R. Williams." (The contribution to The Wick will include a memorial plaque in his honor to be placed on the 11th hole.)

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A private inurnment at Los Angeles National Cemetery is being planned as Dr. Williams’ final resting place.