Eugene Williams

1927 - 2025

Eugene Williams, a respected Charlottesville businessman, activist, and civic leader, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in Charlottesville to Eugene and Septimia Williams, he grew up on Dice Street and later graduated from local public schools and Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a degree in business. In 1949, he married Doris Lorraine Payne, and together they raised two daughters, Karol and Scheryl. As active members of the NAACP, Eugene and Lorraine helped desegregate Charlottesville's public schools; their daughters were among the first Black students to integrate Johnson Elementary in 1959. Williams managed the Charlottesville office of Richmond Beneficial Insurance Company, earning top sales honors, and later co-founded Dogwood Housing Limited Partnership in 1960 to provide quality, affordable homes-work that became his lifelong mission. His leadership earned recognition from the NAACP, Governor Chuck Robb, the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club. He is survived by daughters Karol Williams Biglow and Scheryl Williams Glanton, sister Isabel Payne Giles, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A Memorial Celebration will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. at Boar's Head Resort – The Pavilion, Charlottesville.Memorial gifts may be made to the NAACP: https://naacp.org/donate.