WILLIAM G. WILLIAMS

WILLIAM G. WILLIAMS, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009. Born Aug. 30, 1929, the son of William G. and Sally Williams, he lettered in several sports at Anderson High School and earned both full academic and football scholarships to Michigan State University. After football coaches recovered from rolling on the floor with laughter at his slight frame, they encouraged him to run track. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a MSW degree in Social Work, specifically in Community Organization. He was Pyschological technician for the U.S. Military Medical Services Corp. during the Korean Conflict; he is an honorably discharged U.S. veteran of the Korean Conflict. Mr. Williams formerly served on the Fort Wayne Board of Public Works in the administration of Mayors Harold Zeis and Ivan Lebamoff. He origninally came from Michigan to Fort Wayne to be Allocation and Timing Director for The United Way. During the Zeis administration, he organized the Manpower Program which later became the city's Department of Human Resources. He subsequently helped start the Allen County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC). During his administration, the EOC operated 11 varied programs, including Head Start, Legal Services, Neighborhood Youth Corps, Economic Development, Emergency Food and Medical Services, Youth Development, Neighborhood Services System, Foster Grandparents and Planning and Research. During his tenure, the EOC program was cited congressionally as one of the Top 10 agencies in the nation. He was honored in 2005 with an CANI award, named for him, for persons who demonstrate outstanding contributions in the fight against poverty. He served as Client Advocate at the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center. He belonged to several professional organizations and civic groups, including the American Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Indiana and National Auctioneers Associations, where he graduated as Colonel from the Reppert School of Auctioneering, Anthony Wayne Council, Boy Scouts of America, N.A.A.C.P, Fort Wayne Citizens Council on Human Relations, Fort Wayne Consumer Center, American Legion Post 147, Urban Coalition and the African African-American Historical Museum, as well as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. His Honors include: 1965 - Jaycee's Distinguised Service Award; 1968-AFL-CIO Community Service Award; 1969-Indiana CAP Directors Award of Appreciation; 1971-Designated a "Distinguished Hoosier" by Governor Edgar D. Whitcomb; 1975- Operation PUSH Community Service Award; 1975-Prince Hall Freedom Award; 1975 - Prince Hall Grand Lodge; and 1975-Jurisdiction of Indiana. Mr. Williams' driving philosophy in life was equalizing the playing field- opening doors. "...Our founding fathers said all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And therein lies the balance." We are born free to use our creative abilities and it is this free creativity that is our richest national resource. He was also concerned with erasing oppressive practices, the one that is most associated with negative consequences, and that is the practice of "labeling." We all know, sadly, from history, that once we reduce the worth of an individual, we sense a license, oftentimes, to do mean and cruel things. He is returning home to Anderson, Indiana to family who love him with mythical strength. He is a tremendous role model and champion to his family and they take great pride in him, embracing and living the ideals he holds dear. Survivors include his wife, his college sweetheart, Jacquelyn Van Dyke, whom he married in 1955 by the late Dr. Martin Luther King at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala.; the light of his life, daughter, Elaine Williams; sisters, Evelyn (Roland) Wiley of Indianapolis, Adelle Smith and Carolyn Williams, both of Anderson, Ind.; three special cousins, James S. Warfield, Shirley "Sis" Rogers and Robert Glazebrooks, Sr.; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by father, William G. Williams; mother, Sally Manuel; stepfather, Joe Manuel; and sisters, Ruth (Edgar) Dillon and Charlie Mae Duncan. Graveside service is 11 a.m. Tuesday at Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Ind. Do not remain sad, Bill did most of the things in life that he wanted. He believed education is the key in our world. In lieu of flowers, dig a little deeper in your pocket for services that aid youth opening the doors of opportunity, giving them a chair at the table - or your own favorite charity.