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Leslie A. Williams
1919 - 2015
Leslie A. Williams
1919 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1919
DIED
2015
Leslie Williams Obituary
Williams died Monday of natural causes at his home in Patterson, said his daughter Penny Williams.
A native of San Francisco, Williams was drafted into the Army in 1939 and trained for nine months at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama.
The Tuskegee Airmen were an elite group of African-American fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps who trained during the time of government-sanctioned Jim Crow laws.
"In those days, no one had to salute blacks, but we could be court-martialed if we didn't salute a white officer. The discrimination was bad," Williams recalled during a 2009 interview with KTEH-TV, a public television station in San Jose.
Williams, who grew up in San Mateo, earned his wings in 1943 when he graduated with the first African-American bomber pilot group. But by the time the full African-American cockpit crew was trained and ready for combat, World War II was over. So he missed the opportunity to fly in overseas combat, Williams told the Stanford Lawyer, a publication of Stanford University Law School, in 2008.
After leaving the Army, Williams went on to run a dance studio in San Mateo. When he was 60, he graduated with a law degree from Stanford University and practiced law for 20 years.
In 2007, Williams was present at the U.S. Capitol when President George W. Bush presented members of the Tuskegee Airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal.
Williams is survived by his wife, Elsie, daughters Penny and Paula, two grandsons and two great-grandchildren.
A funeral is planned for April 18 at Sneider & Sullivan & O'Connell's Funeral Home in San Mateo.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
37 Entries
Prof. Rene Vallee
July 30, 2025
RIP, dear friend...Leslie and I taught together at Vermont Tech for two years...she was always a source of inspiration, given in a most down-to-earth manner...to both her students and fellow academics...she also had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around--even under less-than-perfect situations...
Carter Swart
July 17, 2015
May you rest in peace, my dear cousin, Leslie Ann.
Affectionately,
Carter
Sharon C.
April 18, 2015
So sorry to read about the passing of a wonderful man. Your life story and legacy will be in my heart forever. Wish I could have been a tap student of yours. Your accomplishments were amazing. Fondly, Sharon C.
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Joline Bettendorf
April 6, 2015
I am sorry to learn of Les' passing, but grateful for his patient and skillful teaching of a self-conscious beginner, me, when I took his dance classes in San Mateo. I remember him fondly and with admiration.
Lena Williams
April 6, 2015
You are the hero for all ages. Sleep well for your work on earth is done.
Mr.Ac Hidson Sr / Macon Ga.
April 5, 2015
God have call other good soldier home, you have fought a good fight. And kept the faith your services didn't go unnoticed Tuskegee Airmen .My condolence deepest sympathy with prayers to the family and fellows soldiers.
Rosie Rogers
April 3, 2015
It saddened me deeply to learn of Leslie's sudden death. It was my pleasure taking care of you during your stay at Woodridge. You had a great sense of humor and I remember how fond you were of reading. I remember teaching you to make fish lips! You will be remembered fondly. Rest in peace.
Cacey Jennings
April 3, 2015
I took tap and acrobat lessons from Mr. Williams from the age of 3 to 7 in San Mateo. I only learned last year that he was a Tuskegee airman, and was relating the story just last week to a young aspiring dancer.I was taken by surprise to see his obituary today, and was amazed by his other accomplishments. A truly good and full life!
April 3, 2015
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Leslie, but grateful for her service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Thailand.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
michelle plakas-kaiser
April 3, 2015
rip
Jeff Hayden
April 2, 2015
Les was always a gentleman; he lived a very full and quite varied life well lived. He thrived on serving others, always professional, always a gentleman, with ne'er an unkind word for anyone. Always exhibiting great dignity and giving of respect and friendship, Les, you were a true mensch. You will be missed. Deepest condolences to Les' family and friends.
Robyn
April 2, 2015
Sorry for your loss. I hope the God of all comfort will provide for all.
April 2, 2015
So sorry for the loss of your loved one,may you experience the love and goodness that only God can give.......
Tamara M. Tolliver
April 2, 2015
THANK YOU for your service Mr. Williams. May GOD comfort the family and friends of Mr. Williams.
Jane Dowling
April 2, 2015
Thank you for your service ~ God bless you and your loved ones.
April 2, 2015
You have done this country a great service .God bless and RIP.
a friend
April 2, 2015
God Bless.
ER
April 2, 2015
Thank you, Mr. Williams, for your service in wartime and beyond. Your courage and determination in the face of great odds and potential discouragement will serve to inspire us to better things forever. RIP. Condolences to your family, friends, fellow Airmen,and admirers.
April 1, 2015
This man and all of his comrades are the men to be looked up to by the younger generation. Too many of them look up to those from the Sports and Entertainment industry. Mr. Williams and his brothers in arms are the REAL role models. Thank you for your most honorable service to our nation.
Fly high dear sir,fly high!
A grateful American
April 1, 2015
To the family,
Peace and blessings for the lost of your loved one. Mr. Williams, job well done!
R. Williams, MD
G. Freeman
April 1, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Cynthia Rose
April 1, 2015
The best of the best ... What a blessing he was in paving the way for generations to come in all walks of life. Peace be still always.
Alexander Holmes
April 1, 2015
A Great Pioneer, Rest In Peace.
April 1, 2015
May God continue comforting the Family during this difficult time. My sincere condolences to the Family. Isaiah 66:13
C Castillo Cleveland Ohio
James Hill
April 1, 2015
To the Williams Family, I'm sadden by the loss of your husband and father. But he was a pioneer, as he and the Tuskegee Airmen, along with the Triple Nickles; paved the way in gaining the respect and rights for African-Americans military members. I know he's flying around in Heaven, with the other Tuskegee airmen. May God bless and sustain you during these grieving times. Continue holding unto God's unchanging hand.
SFC (Retired ) U.S. Army
April 1, 2015
My condolences to the family and friends
April 1, 2015
Thank you for your Sacrifice, Sir.
April 1, 2015
Thank you for your service
Bambi McKibbon-Turner
April 1, 2015
My condolences to the family of Mr. Leslie A. Williams, whom I honor for his distinguished service to our country.
Tony Molsby
April 1, 2015
Tribute to an amazing American for a life well lived. What a legacy!
April 1, 2015
Let the memories of your loved one always remain.
Scott Chamberland
April 1, 2015
Rest in Peace
April 1, 2015
Thank You, May God always have your "six"
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
April 1, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
April 1, 2015
May the God of all comfort be with you
and your family to strength and sustain
you at this time of your sorrow.
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