Archie D. Williams

Archie D. Williams, 88, a retired bookstore owner, entered rest Sunday, June 19, 2011, following a courageous struggle with kidney disease. Funeral: 11 a.m. Thursday at Baker Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1050 E. Humbolt St. Interment: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at historic Baker Funeral Home; the family will be present 7 to 8 p.m. Archie D. Williams was born June 14, 1923, in Scottsville. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War, earning Good Conduct, Meritorius Unit and Victory medals. He worked for General Dynamics several years after settling in Fort Worth. In 1954, Archie was among the first African-Americans hired at the General Motors plant. He was instrumental in recruiting, mentoring and encouraging many other blacks during the 36 years he worked for that firm. After retirement, he partnered with his daughter as co-owner of the Black Bookworm bookstore for 14 years. He joked that retirement led him to his hardest job ever. A member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners, he also supported walks for the Kidney Foundation and Alzheimer's Association. Brother Williams was a member of the choir, male chorus and ushers at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church for many years. After his health failed, he attended Baker Chapel AME Church with his family. Survivors: Archie Williams is cherished in memory by his devoted wife of 62 years, Erma C. Boyd Williams; daughter, Sonia Williams-Babers (Elvis); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, the Rev. and Mrs. R.C. Johnson; three generations of nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins, other family members and friends.