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Harold Williams Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Harold Williams
Jim Massey
May 13, 2019
Harold:
You were always such a bright spot in people's lives and yu added much to the fun of going to a Jester's performance or party. You are missed by all of us who enjoyed ;your smils and friendship. You are thought of often., I hold your family up in prayer.
Yours
Karen Morris-Karloff
September 15, 2015
I was so saddened to find out about the passing of my dear cousin Harold. I only had the pleasure to meet him a few times as my Dad, Clovis Morris, joined the Navy in the 40's and our family lived in Maryland. We only visited Georgia a handful of times . Even though I had only met him a few times I have wonderful memories of his great sense of humor and genuine kindness. I still have the peanut necklace he gave me when I visited and Jimmy Carter was President. I only wish I had gotten to know him more. My heart goes out to his wife Paula, children Ben and Molly and my cousin Smokey. My prayers are with y'all.
Craig Snyder
May 28, 2015
So many stories about Harold, and they are mostly true. Like so many others, I met Harold in junior high school, in the seventh grade. Like so many others on here, I knew that Harold was one of my best friends. Everybody felt that way about him. My mother and dad loved Harold also. He will be missed, but he is with his Lord. What a great God we have that gave us someone like Harold.
Ann English
May 28, 2015
I had just heard of Harold's injury in late April and now he's gone. So sorry for your family and Athens' loss. I will forever remember his smile, ability to laugh and tell a funny story and his worldview. Laid back and loving life. A true gentleman. Both Don & I send our condolences.
Gregg Tillery
May 27, 2015
Just heard of Harold's passing. He was bigger than life and a role model for all. Gonna miss him and his warm smile and laugh.
Sonya Tucker
May 27, 2015
Paula, Smokey, Molly and Ben, all my thoughts and prayers are with you..what a kind, always glad to see you smile and a joy to anyone who knew the best Sax player ever..all my love, sonya tucker
Tom Hanson
May 24, 2015
Harold was always fun to play music with. I enjoyed every gig we played as "The World's Worst Jazz Band." We had a long run at the Deep South Restaurant and Gigi's in Athens. He adopted me as a brother and was my best friend through all of our adventures.
Sandy Whitney
May 23, 2015
Condolences on your loss, but confident of his release into God's loving hands. I think I can hear him playing for the angels. From Tanzania, Sandy
Teri Patrick Steve Patrick
May 23, 2015
Harold was that rare individual who was wise, knowledgeable, compassionate, loving, irresistibly humorous, and the world's most heroic accountant. We miss him so much. Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family. With love and fond memories, Steve and Teri Patrick
Michael Cronic
May 23, 2015
Dear Paula, Molly, and Ben,
I have never met you but I was a close friend of your husband and father Harold. We had a lot of fun in the 70's playing and writing music together. In one of his online condolences someone mentioned his song called Rocks. I came across a cassette tape I have recently of us working together on that song and we were laughing and giggling like a couple of teenage girls. I loved Harold like a brother. I would have attended his funeral but my wife is undergoing treatments for leukemia and although is presently doing well, she was not at a place I could leave her to make the trip. I loved Harold like a brother, so please accept my heartfelt condolences. God Bless You.
Bonnie Anderson-Novotney
May 23, 2015
Praying that God gives you all strength to get through the days ahead. Hope you will find some comfort in knowing you will be reunited one day in his heaven. Our hearts are sad and we pray for you Paula, Molly & Ben and love you. We have come to know Harold as a wonderful husband, father and human. He was loved.
May 22, 2015
Bullett, Lizzy and I will miss you and never forget you. We know you are in the front row in Heaven listening to the latest release of your hit single "Rocks." Please tell Solo hello for us and we will bring you a check for the last sale of "Harold's Barrels." We will meet again. Lizzy and John PS Please tell your Mom hello
Kelley Young Smalley
May 22, 2015
I have been trying all day to think of something profound to say about Harold's passing. I got nothing. Sometimes there are no words that can adequately express sorrow and deep sadness. I will miss you Mr. Kiss Attack. I wish you could have met my Luke. He would have loved you as much as my Dad did, as well as the rest of my family. We always will.
Bruce Butts
May 22, 2015
The world just won't be the same without Harold. He loved his music and could really play a fantastic sax. Pam and I will miss you and all that you did for everybody.
Pam and Bruce Butts
May 22, 2015
I wish comfort and prayers to Harold's family during this difficult time. Harold was an awesome friend and talent. I enjoyed jamming with him back in the day. He will be missed. RIP my brother!
Robert Thomas
Rita Smith
May 22, 2015
I remember listening to him with the Jesters jam in the Princes' backyard. He was a really nice person. He will be missed
Craig Smith
May 21, 2015
We all feel so fortunate to have had Harold in our lives. He was so special and I was so privileged to have him as my accountant and friend for 30 years.
We all will miss him terribly! There will never be another Harold Williams!
John Steffl
May 21, 2015
My deepest condolences. I loved it when Harold led the parade in Greene Acres. I especially loved the "stealth flyovers" from airforce one. There will never be another one like him.
Jackie Scarborough
May 21, 2015
I did not know Harold personally, but I did enjoy dancing & listening to his wonderful music with the Jesters for years! I am thankful he is not in pain any longer and my heart goes out to his many friends and family who will miss him terribly!
Mary Kurtz
May 21, 2015
Harold was a wonderful, happy, kind, & caring. He brought joy to so many who were lucky enough to know him!
Garnet Faulkner
May 21, 2015
I was so fortunate to have Harold as a cousin. I remember in Jr. High at a band recital he stood and played a solo with the song "Summertime". I was in that band and was last chair sax just faking it. From that moment on I became serious about my playing. This picture would not exist had it not been for Harold. He had tried to talk to me about the importance of practice and I didn't pay him much attention. Hearing him play that soulful solo got my attention like no words could have. Makes me think of the Miles Davis quote,"When words fail, music speaks". Harold's music spoke to my heart. Peace and love to Harold and his beautiful family.
Johnetta Barnett
May 21, 2015
Praying for the family
Ken Cunningham
May 21, 2015
Remembering Harold from our younger years growing up in Whitehall. Great musician! He touched many lives and will be missed. Prayers going up for the family during this difficult time.
Kevin and Mary Arthur
May 21, 2015
thanks for sharing a part of your life and family with us. We love you all
Owen Scott
May 21, 2015
Peace to you, Brother Harold, and to all your family and friends. Your light shines on in our memories, reminding us with your smile of humanity at its best.
Randy Lindsey
May 21, 2015
RIP Harold ,you were an inspiration to all of us. Rest easy with the Angels.
Jim Massey
May 21, 2015
Harold was a special person. He will be greatly missed.He was always thoughtful and friendly. One of the last times that I saw him play with the Jesters. I told him that I had just seen the Allman Brothers at Hershey and there were signs where is Harold. He laughed and said. I guess I was a mainstay of the Allman Brothers. You have been in my prayers over this rough and sad time.
Rob Floyd
May 21, 2015
I had the privilege of getting to know Harold just a little bit while working with my good friend Herb Guthrie doing sound for The Jesters. He was always energetic, full of fun, and the life of the party. It was an honor to work with him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Wayne Scarborough
May 20, 2015
You're not here but you are still with us. Met your son at Ga Theater...drummer...what a great tribute to you! With King David and the Slaves, Third World Band...opened for Jerry Butler, The Tams, The Dells, The Intruders, Steam, Pacific, Gas & Electric, and so many more...can't remember a gig where we didn't satisfy. Great laugh, personality, talent...just a really good dude....wild, crazy and fun times. I figure you, and Russell Martin, and Butch and Eddie Peede are already working up scores to back up Ben E and BB King, and so many others...rest in peace, so sorry you needed to cross over...glad you're free, blessings to your family, love you man...Wayne Scarborough
May 20, 2015
Sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Coker Gurley
Alfred Cooper
May 20, 2015
One of the baddest sax players I have ever played with.Harold,you will be ,missed.I will never forget the times we played together at Gi Gi'S on Baxter St. You,me,Mike De'Castro,Tom Hanson and Tom Poole.I think it was 1975.The band was WWJB World's Worst Jazz Band.I know you are playing those wonderful horn licks in the heavenly band now.Man I'll truly miss you.You will always be in my heart,and will always be the saxophone to me that Maceo was to James Brown.Miss you man.Your drummer Alfred Cooper (WWJB) World's Worst Jazz Band 1975.R.I.P.
Jan (Johnson) Fulghum
May 20, 2015
Paula, Molly and Ben and family and friends.. . We are all missing a special man that brought so much joy and happiness to all of us. I have so many wonderful memories - as I know everyone does. He will truly be missed - but grealty remembered.
Pam
May 20, 2015
I adored Harold. He was one of those true lights: sweet, smart, funny, irresistible, and so, so generous.
Pamela Gilchrist
May 20, 2015
Harold, Hats off and a bow from the depths of my heart. You were one of the kindest and funniest people I ever met. For 30 years I looked forward to going over my taxes in a several hour appointment with you. You made people happier and more light hearted in every direction of your life..the music is a no-brainer. But taxes?! You were so kind to have rubbed off some of your goodness on your co-workers. Though of course it's not the same without you. We're already missing you.
To Paula and the kids I can't think of any words that are appropriate. You were lucky to have him and he you. He loved you and he was proud of you. And he made sure the whole town knew it.
To all who love this great man may the pain in our hearts be sweet and may the ripple of Harold in our hearts spill over to others. Love to you all.
George Marlow
May 20, 2015
I met The Williams family in 1956,when we moved to Barnett Shoals rd.Harold became one of my best friends immediately! My brother Ron and I would walk to Williams grocery store to get a soda ,candy bar and bb's. Mrs Williams would tell me that Harold was at home playing his saxophone.I would walk to the house and listen to him practice.I remember when he learned to play My Blue Heaven,it was like Magic!! I wanted to get a saxophone but we could not afford one so my dad got us a trumpet. My brother started playing it first then my dad had to get me one.We played in the Athens High school band under T.J Byrnes.It was the start for so many talented music minds.Harold was a wonderful man. He became larger than life in the Jesters band.It is not possible to describe the impact Harold made in my life! I will never forget him.
Penny Kea-Linton
May 20, 2015
RIP Harold. May your music continue to entertain others in Heaven, your kindness to others be remembered and shower across the Earth, and your talent and sense of humor be remembered by all the lives you touched. Condolences to the Williams family.
Sara Parsons
May 20, 2015
What a stellar man! I was lucky enough to work with him for several years and he always made me laugh. My heartfelt condolences to you, Paula, and to your family. May God bless you.
Jim & Jan Carlan
May 20, 2015
The world has lost a truly unique individual. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
May 20, 2015
Harold you will truly be missed by all of us who knew you. May there be "Peace in the Valley" R.I.P.
Neal James
fred tuck
May 20, 2015
You called yourself "accountant to the stars", but you're a star, yourself. You inspired and entertained me and everyone you ever came in contact with. Goodbye, Harold. We love you.
May 20, 2015
Marie & I wish to express our sympathy in the passing of Herild
Milton& Marie Neathery
Jim Kitchens
May 20, 2015
The world is a poorer place with Harold's passing. He will be remembered by all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Teresa Simmons
May 20, 2015
We are very sorry to hear of Harold's passing. Deepest sympathies for all his family, friends, and the Jesters.
From... Teresa, Mike, and Katie Simmons. And Also,
Linda and Gordon Lill
Harry Rice
May 20, 2015
Harold was a unique person. He could always brighten your day with a sharp quip or just his manner. It was an honor to have known him through band since elementary school. He was an inspration to many. The Williams family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Heli Montgomery
May 20, 2015
I will most certainly miss this witty, entertaining man. I knew him through music, and he handled my taxes for years. Always so charming and amusing. Rest in peace, my friend.
Joyce Bramblett
May 20, 2015
Farewell to a beautiful friend. He will be missed in so many ways forever. I send prayers for Smokey, Paula, Ben and Mollie to comfort them in this great loss. He will live in our hearts always.
Terri Key
May 20, 2015
So sorry to hear about his passing. I loved to hear that man play his saxophone he had a talent that can make people just stop what they were doing and just listen. But most of all he had a wonderful heart always doing for others. He will be missed and has left way to soon. May God Bless your family. Matt & Terri Key
May 20, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with Harold's family during this difficult time. As a dear friend comforted me not too long ago-"Cling to God always, but especially now". Love, Margie Hancock
Walt Lorenz
May 20, 2015
Dear Paula and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Harold's passing and for your loss.
Like so many in Athens, I saw Harold every year at tax time. For over 20 years I would usually get to his office in late March around 5 pm and not leave until 7 pm- my taxes only took about 10 min. to punch in. The rest of the time was filled with Harold's vignettes, jokes, little songs, and JFK quotes, all sprinkled with some politics and stories of his family and his unusually named dogs... a bountiful and endless stream of verbiage and animation that kept a smile pinned to my face and had me leaving thinking what a rich and wonderful life he lived, and that I should see him more often. Tax season is rarely something anyone looks forward to, unless you know that means spending an hour or two with "The Great and Magnificent Harold Williams!"
Rest well, my friend and thank you for the memories.
Shirley Norris Sorrow
May 20, 2015
I didn't know Harold personally, but like everyone growing up in Athens, I did know the Jesters. Harold played for one of the AHS Alumni events along with some of the other Jesters alum. We were so blessed to grow up with the music. Flora, I lost my brother a few years back and I still miss him so very much. I pray God sustains the family and the multitude of friends during this very sad time.
David Brown
May 20, 2015
I met Harold when I started riding the school bus in 7th grade. Rass was our driver! Harold was perhaps the friendliest most easy going person I can recall. He was good to everybody and, I agree with Rocky Akins, I cannot think of him without smiling. Always the heart of the horn section wherever he went.
May 20, 2015
Paula, Molly, and Ben,
Harold's smile, his laugh, and his loving, caring attitude will live in our hearts forever. He made a difference in this world. We hold all of you in our hearts. Betsy Pless and Paige Campbell
Cindy Rutherford
May 20, 2015
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers as Harold's family and friends deal with the loss of a wonderful man.
Brenda Poss
May 20, 2015
I loved to run into Harold around town because his friendly smile and animated conversations meant so much to me. I send my love, condolences, and hope for a "peace that passes understanding" soon.
Margaret Penny Wiid
May 19, 2015
I grew up with Harold in the band and was always in awe of his talent. He was such a special person and has left us much too soon.
Tim and Renee' Friar
May 19, 2015
We are so sorry to hear about Harold. He was such a wonderful person and will be missed by so many. His music talent was such a big part in making special memories for so many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 19, 2015
The Johnson family's thoughts and prayers are with you, Harold will always be remembered...Dan Johnson
rita cooper
May 19, 2015
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincere sympathy.
Kathleen (Kathy) Kenney Brown
May 19, 2015
My love and thoughts are of you, Paula. May you and your family find strength during this difficult time.
Carol Morton
May 19, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to Harold's family. His spirit will live on through his music and the memories of all his friends from Athens. The Jesters were part of my history and I will forever be grateful for this amazing person to have crossed my path.
Patty & Ricardo Guerra
May 19, 2015
Paula, Ben and Molly, Ricardo and I were so sad to hear of Harolds passing. Just Saturday Ricado asked me if I'd talked to anyone lately. We will miss him terribly but we do have wonderful memories to lean on. Harold always had a smile for you no matter how he was feeling and he always managed to make YOU smile regardless of how you felt. Thank you Harold for your friendship. We will miss you!
Katherine Tallini
May 19, 2015
Oh my. This is a tragic loss for so many. I first met Harold back in the early 70's-we were ivy stickers at Classic Nursery. No matter how many times we counted those ivy sprigs we never got the same number twice. Got down to just eyeballing them and "yeah, that looks about right".. Sorry Wilbur. Many more wonderful memories. And stories. My heart goes out to the family. He loved you all so much. And he never missed an opportunity to brag about you all. RIP dear ole friend, you will be in our hearts forever.
MiMi DuBose Gudenrath
May 19, 2015
Harold was a great friend of my brother Bo DuBose and that meant he was a great friend to our entire family. I had a crush on him for as long as I can remember. He always made me feel special.... As I am sure he did to everyone who knew him. Rock on Harold.... See you on the other side.
Jim and Sharon McKillip
May 19, 2015
A great friend and fellow musician. Sharon and I were so proud to have known him.
Laura W. Carter
May 19, 2015
Harold was one of those people who just made everything better. He and his family have had a hard row to hoe these last few years.
It was not fair for such a special person to have to deal with this; but with his normal humor, grace and aplomb, he did it.
He will be missed by many.
May 19, 2015
Paula, Harold brought so much joy to people when he sang! We loved him so much. You and your family are in our prayers.
Sylvia and Tommy Wilson
May 19, 2015
My & Carlton's condolences go out to the Williams family & many friends at this time. There are not enough words to describe the joy and fun that the Jesters provided over the years--AHS, UGA, & beyond!! I remember when Harold was playing with Gregg Allman & Goose Creek. What a talent! Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
With deepest sympathies,
Lynda Harden Powell
May 19, 2015
Our deepest sympathy during this difficult time for Harold's family.
Sincerely, Joe and Laura Hooten
Rocky Akins
May 19, 2015
Harold, you made me smile and laugh out loud more times than I can count. Who could ever forget the band trips to away games and that trip to Nassau. My heart is heavy in your passing but I keep breaking out with a big smile as memories come to mind. Thank you for being the unique individual that you were. You will live in the hearts of AHS alumni and so many others forever.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes East Chapel
May 19, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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