William "Billy" Williams

I was just talking to a young man who made his high school Freshman baseball team. He was very excited and wants to be the best he can be. I happily shared some tips and techniques that helped me advance in my baseball career. He asked where I learned all of this. I answered, "from one of the best!" Billy taught me so much in my rookie year. Not only baseball skills but life skills too. He took care of so many young men who were thousands of miles from home. That emotional support and tough...

I met Billy back around 1971, his son Michael and me were best friends while attending Glenview Elementary school. I often slept over their house in Oakland when Billy was playing for the Oakland A's, being a young kid, it didn't really occur to me what his job was, but with the nice grey jag we use to drive in, I knew it was something important. What a great person and dad Billy was, I felt fortunate to know him and have his son Michael as a friend, we'd go to Billy Williams boutique on...

I'm seven years late in posting this I guess, but I just came upon this page via a link from another site.

I met Billy during a coaching job he had that doesn't often receive mention: he was volunteering at St. Elizabeth High School (Dave Stewart's alma mater, among others) and I was the JV coach. He was a marvel, working perfectly with kids of all skill levels and in better shape in his late 50s than any of the other coaches or even the teenage players.

One day I came...

Billy began his baseball career in Keokuk IA playing here in 1955-56. He was very cordial and informative when he was contacted for his Keokuk remembrances. A very nice man.

Rest in peace.

So sad to learn of Mr. Williams' passing. I'd just met him in recent weeks, and was thrilled to do so. Sweet man, with a fascinating story.

Very sad to learn of the passing of Billy Williams. He is one of the dearest men I have had the honor of knowing. Best part of my baseball career was working for he and Doc Edwards. Billy took to Donelle and I immediately and made us family. We lost contact when he left Sioux City but he never left my heart. RIP Billy and Godspeed.
He flirted shamelessly with Donelle...well with every woman he met. Class act. He loved being here in the Midwest. Clothes hound, classic car aficionado,...

I knew Billy Williams for many, many years and viewed Billy as a great mentor and an extraordinary communicator with an innate ability to relate. He loved the game of baseball inside and out and was well versed to answer questions and give advice on the sport that he loved so dearly. He surely will be missed and the void that he leaves will be felt by many, but especially his family and close friends.
My sincere heartfelt condolences and respect go out to the immediate family of William...

I am sorry for your loss. What a great man your husband and father was !
Respectfully yours,
Art Gates II