Willie "Buddy" Williams

Willie Williams was born in Vidalia, GA. on October 26, 1941, to the parents of James and DaisyWilliams. The seventh of twelve children, Willie was affectionately known as “Buddy”. He waspreceded in death by his son Willie Bernard Williams, both parents and six siblings. Willie madethe transition gently and peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, after an extendedillness. He was surrounded by his loving wife Dorothy and other family members while the songTransitions by Todd Curry was being played.He grew up surrounded by love, with a prayerful and devoted mother. He graduated from J.D.Dickerson High School in 1961 alongside his sister Delores. Buddy loved sports and playedhigh school football.He married the love of his life, childhood friend and schoolmate Dorothy Burton. During thecourse of their 63-year marriage, Willie and Dorothy raised two children, Alphonso Williams andPhyllis James. In 1968, Willie relocated his family to Long Beach, California. They wouldrelocate to Compton, California in 1985 where they would later raise their grandson AlphonsoRyan Willams.Willie worked for many years at the Long Beach Naval Station Shipyard and later retired as aFederal Safety Engineer.Willie was active in his community and his love of sports led him to coaching basketball for overfour decades. During one of his many youth basketball camps he coached current NBAsuperstar James Harden of the LA Clippers. He touched the lives of countless children andfamilies and was always willing to lend a helping hand.Buddy loved family above all. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife DorothyWilliams, and children Alphonso Williams (Angie) of Gilbert, AZ; Phyllis James (Ray) of LongBeach, CA; Phillis Harris of Compton, CA; Sheryl “Lynn” Goodwin of Orlando, FL; M. ShereceLeonard of Vidalia, GA; Anthony McClelland of Vidalia, GA; Tracy Blair (Miranda) of Vidalia, GA,Baron Blackshear of Vidalia, GA; Sage Glasper of Savannah, GA; five siblings Thelma Williamsof Tacoma, WA; Delores Williams of Vidalia, GA; Luther Ray Williams (Gloria) of Vidalia, GA,Franklin Williams (Jean) of Vidalia, GA; Virginia McLendon (James) of Tacoma, WA; and a hostof grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.