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BORN
1932
DIED
2013
Billy Williams Obituary
June 13, 1932 - June 11, 2013
Resident of Oakland
William "Billy" Williams, surrounded by family members, passed away on June 11, 2013, two days before his 81st birthday. Born on June 13, 1932, in Newberry, SC, Billy's lifetime love was baseball, spending over 50 playing, teaching and coaching. Billy gave players the confidence to believe in themselves and their unlimited potential. Billy's professional baseball career started in 1952 and in 1954 he signed with the Cleveland Indians. Billy spent most of the next 18 years in the Indians' farm system. In 1969, at the age of 39, Billy played for the Seattle Pilots.
After his playing days ended, he spent 11 seasons coaching in the Cleveland Indians' organization, including at the major league level in 1995-97. Billy then continued to impart his baseball knowledge as a hitting and third base coach for the Sioux Falls Canaries in the Northern League and the Sioux City Explorers.
Billy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gloria Christine Williams; his sons Derrick, Jerome, Billy Jr. and Michael; his daughters: Vivian, Cheryl, Tracy, and the late Belita; 3 brothers; 2 sisters and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Donations may be made to "Catch The Next Ball", 14208 Doolittle Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Williams
August 2, 2013
I grew up on the same block in Oakland and Mr Williams always shared word of encouragement to kids in the neighbor. he was a father figure to many of us. Rickey (Mark) Shehee
July 20, 2013
Always a smile and such a great laugh. I had the pleasure to play for Billy and Doc in Sioux Falls. You will be missed. God bless.
Rich Hyde
Mahomet Illinois
Joe Murphy
June 18, 2013
My deep condolences to the Williams family. You have lost a husband, father and I am sure a good friend to you all. I have lost a very good and old friend as has all of Baseball. So long Billy. You will be missed....Murf
June 17, 2013
Our condolences to the Williams family.
from The Davis Family.
Shane Gerlach
June 17, 2013
Very sad to learn of the passing of Billy Williams. He is one of the dearest men I have had the honor of knowing. Best part of my baseball career was working for he and Doc Edwards. Billy took to Donelle and I immediately and made us family. We lost contact when he left Sioux City but he never left my heart. RIP Billy and Godspeed.
Denise (Davis) Tauriac
June 16, 2013
So saddened to hear the news of Mr. Williams passing. Sending the family our deepest condolences. We will keep the family in our prayers.
Lennie Mitchell
June 15, 2013
Gloria and Michael; Thank you for sharing your “Billy” with me and Shayn. We enjoyed so much being with him at the ballpark and doing baseball for unending hours with his encouragement to keep Shayn throwing. Our love for him will live on. God Bless you and your extended families. Lennie Mitchell (Shayn Holbrook's mom)
Shayn Holbrook, Sioux Falls
Shayn Holbrook
June 15, 2013
Billy; I will be listening to your coaching words from heaven. Thank you for keeping me in the right direction and for believing in myself. God Bless your family. My thoughts and prayers are always with your family.
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