Willie Williams

1943 - 2016

Willie Williams

1943 - 2016

BORN

1943

DIED

2016

Willie Williams Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 28, 2016.
Willie Williams, the first African-American chief of the Philadelphia and Los Angeles police departments, died April 27, according to the Los Angeles Times. He was 72.

Williams died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his wife, Evelina, said in a phone interview with the Los Angeles Times.

Williams started out as a police officer in the Philadelphia Police Department. He spent over 20 years working his way up in the department and was selected as the first African-American police commissioner in 1988. He was appointed to that position by then-Mayor Wilson Goode.

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In 1992, he was appointed as the Los Angeles Police Department Chief by Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, not long after the Rodney King riots. He was the chief of the department until 1997, when the Los Angeles Police Commission declined to renew his contract.

In 2002, Williams was appointed federal security director for Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said, "Truly was my inspiration. People have asked me multiple times when I knew or aspired to be the police commissioner and it was when I met him. "He was a guy who was even-tempered, but a firm guy, had strong leadership skills, but he was also one of the initial proponents of community policing and he pushed that very hard."

Sign Willie Williams's Guest Book

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May 30, 2016

The Williams Family posted to the memorial.

May 13, 2016

Dorethia Myers posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2016

Kevin & Antoinette Williams Sr posted to the memorial.

56 Entries

The Williams Family

May 30, 2016

My family and I are much appreciative for all Mr. Williams did to unite and protect the people in his community. Jesus must have had him in mind when he spoke the words at Luke 23:43. Much respect for the man and my deepest sympathy to the family.

Dorethia Myers

May 13, 2016

Williams Family:
My condolences are with you and the family. My late parents Rev Donis Myers Sr and Bessie Myers spoke highly of your husband and the work he did in Philadelphia. My prayers are with your family during this time of bereavement. May God bless your family.

Kevin & Antoinette Williams Sr

May 5, 2016

To the Williams family, our prayers of peace and comfort for you are unending. Cousin Willie, you finished your race and God says it's time to rest! You're always in my heart. Tell your Aunt Essie and all the family I said hello, until we meet again! Love you cous!

Gisele Caver

May 5, 2016

It was my pleasure to meet Willie Williams through the NBPA National Black Police Association and NOBLE National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Rest Well Sir - SALUTE - Retired Detroit Police Sergeant Gisele Caver.

Andrea

May 5, 2016

Dear Williams Family ,
I'm truly sorry for your loss, I wish to offer my deepest and heartfelt sympathies, may the peace that surpasses all understanding as you cope with your loss.

Gwen Butler Lewis

May 4, 2016

Dear Evelina,

I was saddened to hear of your loss, and realize you have loss a blessing from God. I pray that God will continue to bless you and your family and strengthen you. Please accept my deepest condolences.

B F

May 3, 2016

This was a A Very fair and just man. I had the opportunity to work for him while he was The Commissioner of the Philly PD. He was well respected by his subordinates. May you rest in peace Commissioner Willie Williams

Diane

May 3, 2016

Sorry for your loss Please be comforted by GOD"s promise to wipe tears of sorrow from your eyes. Soon in the future GOD will take away death forever.

May 3, 2016

Dear Evelina:

Be assured that your husband's contribution to society, will always be cherished by those whose hearts were touched on account of his job. Although no word is ever enough to help you ease your grief, you are not alone, for our Heavenly Father understands what you are going through, and his ears listen to the supplication of the ones who rely on His strength...

Gary Smith

May 3, 2016

Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Patricia Wilson

May 2, 2016

Sorry for your loss. May the god of comfort and tender mercies be with your family.

KAREN JONES

May 2, 2016

I remember sending Chief Willie Williams a flower arrangement that came in a golf ball vase, and a letter, expressing to him what a Great Job he was doing, in the time where LA seemed to be falling like dominoes, and how he came in like the Santa Ana winds and got the LAPD back on track. I will never forget receiving my autographed 8 x 10 picture of Chief Willie Williams in his uniform. One of my proudest moments,

RIP,
you are missed.

Karen

May 2, 2016

Condolences and prayers to family and friends. GOD BLESS

Barbara & Kent Fegley

May 2, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Willie was an exceptional leader. He will be missed from fans just over the bridge in NJ

May 2, 2016

My prayers are with you and your family.

Evans. Family

May 2, 2016

Our thoughts are with the Williams family. Remembering the place in your hearts that your love one holds will help you to endure this time of sorrow. God holds us up to endure.

Kelly Jones

May 1, 2016

God said: "you will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:12 How comforting those words are at this difficult time.

April 30, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

michelle plakas-kaiser

April 30, 2016

rip

Deborah E

April 30, 2016

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

G. Freeman

April 30, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

April 30, 2016

Very sorry for this. My prayers and sympathy go out to the family and close friends.

April 30, 2016

May it comfort you to know that God as well as others care

April 30, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

April 30, 2016

May the peace of God comfort this family at this difficult time.

April 30, 2016

Willie Williams did the very best he could under trying circumstances in L.A. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. Cherish the fine times and seek strength at Ps. 46:1.
C. Maduri
Aurora, Ohio

David Gascon

April 29, 2016

To the Williams Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times. Chief Williams and I shared some interesting and difficult times together and I am grateful for his support. Sincerely, Dave Gascon and family.

LC

April 29, 2016

My condolences to your loved ones of Mr Willie Williams. May your loving memories, kindnesses from others and prayers bring solace to the family, friends and colleagues.

D G

April 29, 2016

Sorry for your Loss .may the God of comfort be with you and your family

April 29, 2016

My sympathy to your family during this time of grief.

Carolyn Murray

April 29, 2016

To The Williams Family,
I am sending my heartfelt condolences to your family at this time of bereavement. May our Holy Father surround your family with his mighty healing & strengthening arms of grace, love and mercy forever. Keep your memories of Mr. Willie within your hearts, spirits and souls; for these are the places he shall dwell always. RIP Willie Williams

April 29, 2016

Thank you for your years of service. May God comfort the hearts of the Williams family as they grieve this loss.

Jane Dowling

April 29, 2016

God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace...

ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE JOHN Geter (Ret)

April 29, 2016

My condolences to the Williams family..

Mrs. Jackson

April 29, 2016

My condolences to the Williams family. Even though he lost his battle with such a dreadful illness the family has many memories to eventual give them comfort of the good he tried to do as a public servant to several communities throughout the United States. Life will be better for all in the future when God purposes to reverse all the illnesses, crimes, etc. that cause so much pain for us all.

May the God of all comfort bring you peace during this time of loss.

Vanessa Davis

April 29, 2016

April 29, 2016

Good thoughts and memories to your heart to comfort.
Comfort from the holy scriptures. Proverbial words.
"Worry in a man's heart depresses it, but thinking of a good thing gladdens it."
Elizabeth

Mary

April 29, 2016

Condolences to loved ones. May your loving memories, kindnesses from others and prayers bring solace to you.

April 29, 2016

May the God of all comfort be with you
in this time of sorrow. May the love
and support from family and friends be
a source of strength and incouragement
now and in the days to come.

April 29, 2016

With deepest sympathy. May you receive comfort from family, friends and God's word during this very difficult time of grief. John 6:40

Stanback Family

April 29, 2016

To the family of Willie Williams my deepest condolences for your loss. Times like these can be very difficult so pray constantly. Phillipians 4:6-7 admonishes us to throw our anxiety on our Heavenly Father he in turn will strengthen you and place peace upon your mind and heart. I hope you all are able to find comfort and heal very soon.

April 29, 2016

RIP

Pam Richardson

April 28, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May prayers to the God of all comfort strengthen you. He promises 'I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness." (Isa 41:10)

T McGuire

April 28, 2016

I would like to express my condolences during this time of loss. I hope you find the strength and comfort you need to get through this difficult time. Matt 5:4 - Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted.

Dell Reneau

April 28, 2016

My condolences to the Williams Family

April 28, 2016

My condolences to the Williams, May our loving Heavenly Father provide you with thoughts of peace and hope to help you cope with your great loss. Jeremiah 29:11

April 28, 2016

My deepest sympathy on your loss and may God's promises of life again on paradise earth bring you comfort and hope ( Matthew 11 : 25 ).

Carol Dell

April 28, 2016

To the Family of Mr. Williams,
I send prayers to the family of Chief Williams. And, may the Lord keep them in peace during this time.

H. W.

April 28, 2016

My condolences to the Williams family.May the memories of times shard bring a smile to you.

Adrian Barnette

April 28, 2016

We'll miss you !

Mike Craig

April 28, 2016

+
Chief Williams was one of the best leaders that the LAPD has ever had. Yes he was a man of the people and he communicated with the public.
Rest In Peace Chief, you were of the the good guys

Scott Chamberland

April 28, 2016

Rest in Peace

Mcgee Family

April 28, 2016

"Our sincere condolences to your Family. What an accomplished husband, father and public servant. He was respected by many. May you be supported by family, friends, neighbors and God at this most difficult time.

Alma

April 28, 2016

Evelina, please accept my condolences, My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and the family at this difficult time. Please find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and that He cares. I am sorry for your loss, and I want you to know that I will be praying for strength, peace, and comfort for you and your family.
1 Peter 5:6, 7

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Sign Willie Williams's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 30, 2016

The Williams Family posted to the memorial.

May 13, 2016

Dorethia Myers posted to the memorial.

May 5, 2016

Kevin & Antoinette Williams Sr posted to the memorial.