Lonnie Boyd Williams

Lonnie Boyd Williams was reunited with his wife Janice Garrett Williams on April 11, 2018. They were married November 5, 1955, and involuntarily separated on September 7, 2006 (though their love affair did not end there).

Born in Wilmington, NC on July 19, 1928, the youngest of six boys, he was predeceased by his wife, Janice, his parents Robert Adrian Williams and Queenie Victoria Williams, and his brothers George, Melvin, Liston, Adrian, and Richard. He is survived by his children Lonnie and wife Cathy, their children Margaret and Diana, daughter Jan and husband Larry, and son Gary and wife Jan and their son Sam. He also leaves behind Katie, his four-legged best friend.

After graduating from New Hanover High School in 1946, he joined the United States Army, serving a year in Korea. He was proud of his country, its military, and his service which he considered among his most important experiences.

After serving as the first law clerk for the Supreme Court of North Carolina (for all the justices, they now each have their own), he practiced law in Wilmington from September 1954 until 2016. He was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an inductee of the General Practice Hall of Fame (at the insistence of Judge Ola Lewis), North Carolina Elite Lawyers, and numerous other awards. In 2008, he was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine (at the insistence of Reginald Holley). Through those many years he was blessed with partners and staff who were highly competent, respected, and indulgent of his many faults, legal and otherwise.

As a graduate of Wake Forest University and the Wake Forest School of Law, he dearly loved his alma mater, warts and all. By gentle words he convinced a number of very good students and even better individuals to choose Wake Forest. He was particularly proud that two of his children chose Wake Forest, from which each received two degrees. The icing on the cake was when his granddaughter Diana graduated to make it three generations. He served 24 years on the Board of Trustees of Wake Forest University and was a Life Trustee.

Particular thanks to the ladies who have cared for Mr. Lonnie during his last months and years, and especially Larry Williams, who if he wasn’t named Williams already would be adopted into the family. Also to Hospice of the Lower Cape Fear who provided invaluable care, assistance and support in the last month of Dad’s life.

From Dad:

“All gifts of thanks that I am finally gone, please contribute to your favorite charity (hospice is good) – and be generous! To quote the late Addison Hewlett, Jr. ‘Thank you, Lord, it’s been fun’”

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Monday, April 16, 2018 at Wrightsville Beach United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends at the church from 10 until 11 AM.