Fred Lee Williams

Fred Lee Williams was born on October 4, 1934 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Carrie Webb-Williams and Nathaniel Williams. He was the third of 9 children. Fred loved his mother and siblings very much. He often talked about how proud he was to be a big brother, and the joys of looking out for his siblings. The love and respect he had for his mother was remarkable. For many years he traveled back home to be with his family. With a heart bigger than life, he enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, dancing, listening to soulful and gospel music, playing golf, as well as watching action movies.

Fred was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He loved to tell stories about how he had to walk miles to school. Also, how he and his brother would catch rattle snakes and play with them on the way. Due to life circumstances, he unfortunately dropped out of school at an early age to help take care of the siblings he loved so much.

To help provide for his family, he took a job as a Caddie carrying bags for golfers. This is when he fell in love with the game of golf. During these days Blacks weren’t allowed to play golf, but he wouldn’t let that stop him. When no one was around he would sneak hits in and began to get good at the game.

Fred traveled from Alabama to Ohio where he then enlisted into the army. He was one of the first Black Paratroopers, Airborne Division, during the Korean War. He served in the military several years until he was granted an honorable discharge in May of 1962.

At the age of twenty-eight, Fred made the biggest decision of his life when he moved to Los Angeles, California where he resided for the remainder of his life. Upon arriving to California, Fred met and married Gaye Williams. It was through this union that his oldest daughter Frenae Williams was born. Gaye and Fred divorced, but it didn’t stop his commitment on being a great father to Frenae.

Fred attended Trade Tech College where he pursued his education as an Electrician. Without a high school diploma, Fred was self-educated, and still out scored his peers on academic tests. He was given the most prestigious assignments including installing the electrical and telephonic systems in the former World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York. It was in November of 1971 that Fred met and married Gertrude Williams. It was through this union that his second daughter Rashida Williams, and his only son Fareed Williams was born. Providing for his family and children was of most importance to Fred. He bought his first house in Hawthorne California shortly after their union. The couple regularly attended church together. After several years the two divorced but remained good friends, and Fred a great father to his children.

Soon after, Fred opened his own TV repair shop in Inglewood, CA. He quickly became a successful business man gaining major cliental and recognition. It was during this time that he met and married Ann Williams whom he spent the rest of his life with. It was through this union that his youngest daughter Brighette Williams was born. Fred was very adventurous and outgoing. He and Ann traveled together and were best friends. The couple later relocated to the Inland Empire where they started a veteran’s sober home.

Fred joined the State of California as a Correctional Officer in 1985. He served at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Center in Norco, CA. He worked in the women’s unit for several years until he retired in 1990. He and his wife opened a clothing and accessory store in San Bernardino which he managed for a couple of years. In addition to his administrative duties, he was a super dad: cooking, driving, and making sure his family and children were taken care of.

Fred gave his life to the Lord at a young age. He grew up in a household of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. He served in several ministries within the church during his lifetime. His favorite ministry was the choir. He loved to sing for the Lord. Although he sung in many quartets throughout his life, nothing brought him more joy than singing in church. He was a part of Loveland Church ministry and choir for over twenty years. In addition, he sang in several church ministries and organizations throughout his life. It was his duty to introduce his morals and belief in Jesus to his children. He prayed, read scriptures, and attended church with his family often.

Every weekend Fred could be found on the golf course! He loved to play golf! He joined the Western States Golf Association Honors Golf Club during the 1980s and was a faithful member ever since. He participated in many tournaments and won several trophies. Within this organization, he was over the Junior Golfers where he trained and prepared them to participate in tournaments around America.

Fred Lee Williams was loved by many, respected by most, and a role model to several. He impacted everyone he met and will forever be known as the Man who Lived Life to the Fullest!

On February 8, 2019, in the company of his children and family, Fred passed into the loving arms of Jesus. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: John, Nathaniel, and Melvin, and sister Arden. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Ann, four children: Frenae, Rashida (Anthony), Fareed (Nicole), and Brighette, five granddaughters: Brittany, Arrianna, Asya, Zara, and Zanavia, one grandson Fareed Jr., one brother Earl (Merav), three sisters: Barbara, Catherine, and Dorothy, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.