Stanley Wilson Williams Jr.

Stan Williams Jr., a beloved father, friend, Lakewood High School baseball legend; as well as a player for the USC Trojans and New York Yankees, passed away on Feb 27, 2026, at the age of 67.

When the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, Stan Sr. (a 14 year major league pitcher) and his bride Elaine, had the joy of announcing that their son was "the first LA Dodger baby born" on July 29th 1958 in Inglewood, CA. Stan Jr. developed a passion for hard work and baseball at a young age. By the age of 10 through High School, he had a paper route, and was also a cook at Sizzler on Candlewood St. and Lakewood Blvd.

Known for his loving heart, competitive spirit, strong arm, and deep love of the game, Stan was a key member of the 1976 Lakewood High School baseball team that won the 4A Southern Section CIF championship. During the playoff run to the title, Stan pitched five consecutive seven inning complete game victories in a two-week period. This included the championship game played at Anaheim Stadium before almost 10,000 fans, a then high school baseball game attendance record. Stan's amazing season-long and playoff performances lead him to being named the 1976 CIF-SS Player of the Year. Stan was subsequently drafted in the 11th round by the St. Louis Cardinals but instead chose to accept a baseball scholarship to the University of Southern California.

While pitching for the USC Trojans, Stan was part of an era when the program competed at the highest level of college baseball. USC has won more College World Series titles than any other program, and Stan was proud to contribute to that tradition of excellence during his time with the team. Stan was part of the 1978 National Championship team. After college, Stan had a two-year professional career in professional baseball within the New York Yankees farm system.

After his baseball career, Stan carried the same determination and work ethic into sales and sales training for Yosemite Waters where he made an impact on many colleagues and customers. In his first year at Yosemite Water in 2009, he earned Route Salesman of the Year and backed that up by earning the title the next 7 out of 9 years.

Yosemite Waters gifted Stan a basketball hoop which led to many heated backyard 1:1 games with his son and free throw shooting contests with his best friend Donny Ruzek. Stan proudly made 91/100 free throws, which he frequently commented "not bad for a baseball player." In the spirit of Stan's well-known heckling and jabbing, at this time, Chris (92) and Donny (93) would like to formally remind Stan; he was a few short of the backyard title!

But those who knew him best knew that baseball and competition were always part of his identity — a lifelong passion that shaped many of his friendships and memories.

Above all, Stan was a devoted father, family member, and friend. His sense of humor, resilience, and loyalty left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Stan is survived by his loving family, including his son Chris Williams; sister Shanti Williams and her children; Stan's nephew Ryan and his wife Tasha; their children Haylie and Rayna; Stan's niece Cali and her children Charlotte, Matthew, Tristan, Isabella - who will all continue to honor his memory.

Stan's son Chris would like to thank Stan for being a devoted father who never missed a basketball, baseball, football, soccer, or junior lifeguard competition and taught him a variety of life long skills including the art of humor, athletics, confidence, competitive drive, and the skill and drive to succeed at whatever he put his mind to.

A celebration of life will be hosted at:

Where: Tracy's Bar and Grill in Long Beach
When: Saturday April 18th at 3pm
Address: 5511 E Spring Street Long Beach Ca 90908