Alfred Williams IV

Al was born on November 12, 1948, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to the late Alfred Williams III and Lucy Blount Andrews. He was affectionately known to his friends as “Big Al”.

After a childhood in Raleigh, Al attended Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, VA. At VES, he excelled with his athletic prowess in football, basketball and baseball. He then attended the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (’72) and excelled again, this time at the Zeta Psi house, making lifelong friends and memories. Al entered the workforce with his father in the family business (Alfred Williams & Co) as a salesman. With a sense of entrepreneurship and a love for the North Carolina coast, Al moved to Morehead City/Atlantic Beach in the early ‘80’s and was founder, owner and operator of Al Williams Properties through today. The company carried his name as well as a reputation reflective of Al’s commitment to take care of people and clients with authenticity and a caring hand.

Al was a member of many organizations, all of which he cherished largely due to the friendships that came with each. He was a member of Carolina Country Club (Raleigh), the Country Club of North Carolina (Pinehurst), Morehead City Country Club and the Coral Bay Club (Atlantic Beach) where some would refer to him as the “First Man”. He also was a part of the Old Raleigh Boys and the Society of Cincinnati.

The memories and stories that were created during Big Al’s life were so numerous that one could find them worthy of a podcast series. The call in lines would be jammed. Yes, after working on a western ranch one summer, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to rent a used Mercedes to drive back to North Carolina … with the calf he had purchased as an investment?! Many would say Al “had a language of his own”, a noble mix of Down East NC, 19th Hole and a form of 16th century Scottish brogue. It was original! It was Al! Al’s quick and unique wit as well as his signature cackling laugh will last in our memories forever.

Al had a love for the game of golf. His confidence enabled him to believe every shot should have been better than it was 😊. He had no fear on the course … with the exception of 3-5 ft putts and the drive on #14 Cardinal. Scotland and Royal Dornoch were his favorite links golf, having taken numerous trips there with his son Al, son-in-law Ben and others. Al won the 2006 and 2015 PSO Invitational (a “major” amongst his contemporaries) and even had a tournament named after him, the Big Al Open.

Big Al loved his Tar Heels as does the whole family. He was blessed with the fact that the last shot he saw in this life was Seth Trimble’s dagger against Duke in the Smith Center.

He believed strongly in giving back to his community and lived out that belief through his service on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastal Plains and the Board of Carteret Health Care as well as being a lifelong supporter to The Rams Club at UNC. His commitment to helping others and strengthening the community will leave a lasting impact. He was well known and deeply respected throughout the many communities that he touched. A faithful and devoted member of First Methodist Church in Morehead City, Al’s life was grounded in his faith, his integrity, and his quiet generosity.

Above all, Al treasured his family and friends. He was a devoted husband of 40 years to his beautiful wife Gina. He adored his two children “Lil” Al and Susan and cared greatly to lead them on the right paths in life. Finally, he is the proud grandfather of a grandson and two granddaughters. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his warm smile, and the deep love he had for his family and communities.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Virginia “Gina” Williams; daughter, Susan Williams Mason (Ben) of Greenville, SC; son, Alfred Williams V (Lauren) of Raleigh, NC; sister, Lucy Clyde Blount Williams of Morehead City, NC; brothers, Judson Blount Williams (Dargan) of Raleigh, NC and Donaldson Gray Williams of Charlotte, NC; and grandchildren, Walter Benjamin Mason IV, Virginia Walton Mason, and Lucy James Williams. Additionally, Al has his Aunt Betsy, Aunt Margaret, Uncle Murray and many cousins in the Williams, Blount and Gibbons families who will miss him dearly.

Al was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh. The family plans to have a celebration of Al in the late spring at Atlantic Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain, Administrative Office, 621 W. Fire Tower Road, Winterville, NC 28590.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net and www.brownwynneraleigh.com

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC and Brown- Wynne Funeral Home and Crematory in Raleigh, NC.