Benjamin Buford Williams, II, Ph.D. and Col. USAFR (ret.) and Marilyn Simpson Williams, his wife of 60 years, died within a few hours of one another on October 19 and 20, 2013. He was 90 years old, having been born on April 28, 1923. Dr. Williams was a retired Professor of English at AUM while Mrs. Williams was a retired reference librarian. He is preceded in death by his siblings: Royal Haywood Williams, Shirley Williams Wigglesworth, Edith Williams Hancock, and Stanley Ballou Wigglesworth.
Raised in Mobile, Ben graduated from Murphy High School in 1942. A World War II veteran, he fought at the Huertgen Forest, the Battle of the Bulge, and was in one of the first units to cross the Remagen Bridge into Germany. Following the war, he received a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Alabama and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Williams taught English literature for over 40 years, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 1991. His book, A Literary History of Nineteenth Century Alabama, is considered the seminal work on early Alabama literature. In 2004, he was presented with the Eugene Current Garcia Award as an outstanding literary scholar.
Mrs. Williams, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, was born on February 14, 1928. Graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1946, Marilyn attended Mary Baldwin College and George Peabody Graduate School of Library Science. She retired from a distinguished career of 33 years as the chief reference librarian at the Air University Library at Maxwell Air Force Base in 1986.
Ben was past president of the Montgomery Shakespeare Players, the Richard Montgomery Chapter of the S.A.R., and the Alabama Reserve Officers Association. He was a long-time member of the A.F.A., the M.O.A.A., the V.F.W., the American Legion, the Alabama Historical Association, and the Montgomery Quarterback Club. He was a lifetime member of the 78th Division Association.
Marilyn was a long-time member of the Alabama Library Association, the Montgomery B.P.W., and the Frances Marion Chapter of the D.A.R. She was past president of the Episcopal Church Women and served as head of the Altar Guild at her church for nearly 40 years. Both Ben and Marilyn were members of the St. Andrews Society and the Old South Society for over 30 years.
They are survived by their four children, Julianne (Winfield Sinclair), Buford, Randall (Nancy), and Lyn (Rodney Best). They are survived by their eight grandchildren: Ashley (Christopher Barnes), Amanda (John Jinright), Sarah Best, Andrew Williams, Katharine Williams, Nathaniel Williams, Victoria Williams, and Zachary Williams, and one step-grandchild, Jason McEwan.
Visitation will be Wednesday night at Leak Memory Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 24th at 10 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 645 Coliseum Boulevard. Interment and graveside services will follow for family only. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to All Saints Episcopal Church Memorial Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Julie.
To The Williams Family,
We just today learned of the passing of Ben & Marilyn and must say we are shocked and saddened at this news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all members of the extended family. What a pleasure it was to know both Ben & Marilyn. My father & Ben used to frequent the YMCA to swim & socialize& Marilyn was always quick to offer a smile & warm greeting. 60 years of marriage... What a legacy. Read recently, that
" When Someone You Love Becomes A Memory, The Memory Becomes a Treasure" May God's Love comfort you.
Tom & Gayle Loyd
September 11, 2014
Dearest Julie:
I was so sorry to learn about the passing of your parents. They were dynamic, lovely people and it was easy to see why you and everyone adored them. They say we get to pick our friends, but not our parents. I'd say you got very lucky in both. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
Leslie Golden
January 22, 2014
Sorry to hear of your loss. It was very encouraging to read the legacy and life of your parents. May God comfort all in the days ahead.
E. Wilkinson
October 31, 2013
From The Lighthouse Baptist Church Family in Savannah Georgia.... Our Thoughts & Prayers go out to the Family. May God's Blessing's continue to surround each of you with his Love and his Grace.
Bobby Awtrey
October 30, 2013
Julie,
I have fond memories for your parents as they touched my life during past years and the present. Your mother's sweet smile and your father's guidance at AUM and church at All Saint's in my youth. I send prayers of peace to you and your family.
Jan Renfroe McFarland
Jan Renfroe McFarland
October 26, 2013
I was deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of Ben and Marilyn. I offer my condolences and sympathy to the entire Williams family.
Kim Brasher-Crowe
Kim Brasher-Crowe
October 26, 2013
Julie, Buford, Randy and Lynn, I send my most heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your parents. I am sorry that I wasn't able to express these thoughts and prayers in person. My husband had surgery at UAB on Wednesday and we are still here waiting to be discharged. Will hope to see and talk with you later on.
Elizabeth Speer Gillian
October 25, 2013
Buford and Randy, I was very sorry to hear of the passing of your parents. Hope you are both well.
-Robert Wood-
October 24, 2013
Randy and Family - So sorry to hear about your loss. What a blessing your parents have been on Earth - and will continue to be - to all they touched. You're in our prayers.
Susan & Cory Thomas
October 24, 2013
They will be always remembered for their love of community and family.
Mrs. John Y. Reynolds, Jr. and family
October 24, 2013
Lyn,
So sorry for the loss of your parents, prayers for your family.
Kecia Ellis
October 24, 2013
Buford and family. We were sad to hear about the loss of your parents. You're in our thoughts.
John & Arlene Hogan
October 24, 2013
To The Williams Family,
There are no right word to say in this difficult time. So talking about your feelings to "a true companion" who will listen patiently and sympathetically can bring a measure of relief.-Proverbs 17:17. And if the listener is another bereaved person who has effectivly dealt with his or her own loss, you may be able to glean some practiccal suggestions on how you can cope with your sorrow. With Love and Deepest Sympathy.
James & Rosa Webster
October 24, 2013
Randy and family, I'm so so sorry for your loss. Love and healing thoughts to each of you. ~ Melanie (Clark) Bloom
Melanie Bloom
October 23, 2013
I will remember Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Ben with great fondness. We always looked forward to their visits to my mom's house and hearing of their latest travels and adventures. My deepest condolences to my cousins and their family and friends.
Karen Wigglesworth
October 23, 2013
By Love They are Remembered and in memory they live. Even in your sorrow, I hope and pray you can hold on to the thought that two life, lived with so much love never really ends. But goes on forever in our hearts of those who remember. May your memories bring you comfort. With Deepest Sympathy. The Stinson's.
Jesse, Emily and Jalen Stinson's
October 23, 2013
Keeping the Williams Family in prayer. May God bless each of you.
Carrie Echols-King AUM '06
October 23, 2013
To all my Williams relatives: I'm saddened to hear of the loss of Ben and Marilyn--my uncle and aunt. It was always nice to see them when they came to visit my mother. They were such interesting people, with so many stories to tell.
Lynn Wigglesworth
October 23, 2013
Ben was a gentlemen always. The swimmers at the ymca all new him. He was a dedicated member and a good swimmer. We already miss him. Marilyn worked with my daddy Harry Parker at the Air University Library for many year and a very delightful lady to know. God knows what is best and what a blessing they are together.Love to all the family. Barbara Parker Turner
October 23, 2013
I didn't know these people but was very much touched when I read the obituary. This is truly a sign of true love. May the family encourage one another and live up to their legacy. Consuella
October 23, 2013
I first met Ben and Marilyn when we lived next to them on Dalraida Parkway. They were good neighbors and always willing to help in any way. I look forward to being their neighbor again one day in Heaven.
Phillip Suttle
October 23, 2013
Julie and Win, We were shocked and saddened to learn of the deaths of both Julie's mother and father. Our deepest condolences go out to Julie and her siblings. You are in our prayers
Mark and Thea
October 23, 2013
TO THE FAMILY SORRY FOR THE LOST, DON'T KNOW THE COUPLE BUT HOW BEAUTIFUL IT IS TO BE LOVED. THIS WAS A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN. RIP
TAYLENA RUBIN
October 23, 2013
My deepest condolences to Julie, Win, and the family during this very sad time.
Marilyn and Ben were wonderful people - delightful conversation, wonderful wit, kind, generous, always willing to help in any way -
just very Special is every way.
May God cover You with His Wings of Peace and Comfort.
Love always,
Linda, Gem, and Marengo
Linda Shires
October 23, 2013
Julie, Buford, and Randy, my heart goes out to you in your double bereavement. At the same time, I must smile at knowing two people so perfectly matched get to enter eternity together.
I have such fond memories of your parents, stretching back most of my life. I hope their joint legacy of kindness and humor consoles you in your time of sorrow.
George Suttle
October 23, 2013
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more