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Brian Williams Obituary

WILLIAMS Brian Alexander Williams, 59. Sunrise November 3, 1953 and Sunset January 11, 2013. Brian was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church. He was a 1973 graduate of South High School where he led the basketball team to the 1973 State Tournament. Brian also went on to lead The University of Cincinnati Bear Cats to a championship. He also played for The Old Timers Basketball League. Brian was inducted into the Ohio Athletic Hall of Fame and was said to be one of the top 5 players in Columbus history. Brian worked at Bishop Hartley High School for the past 18 years and was the Assistant Basketball Coach. Brian was preceded in death by his parents Carol Williams and Ernest Harshaw and brothers Keith and Paul Williams. Left to cherish his memory, sons, Shad Kimble, Richard (Kristi) Davis, Darnell Ray and Alex Alexander Harris; sister, Marta Moore; brothers, Gregory Williams and Albert (Shana) Williams; aunt, Judith Walker; five grandchildren; The Bishop Hartley Family and a host of other family and friends. Visitation at 11 a.m. and Funeral 1 p.m. Thursday, January 17, 2013 at Triedstone Baptist Church, 858 E. 3rd Ave. Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE, 2500 Cleveland Ave. To order flowers and offer condolences to the WILLIAMS Family, visit www.THECHAPELOFPEACE.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Williams

Not sure what to say?





Debra F. Harris

January 13, 2024

Brian will always be remembered as a very talented and gifted basketball ball player with a kind heart and love for all people. Thoughts and continued prayers for his family and his Columbus, Ohio family. Regards from Atlanta, Georgia.

Debra F. Harris

January 8, 2022

R.I.P. Brian.

James Cloud

April 21, 2013

To Williams Family
Just know that God knows and sees all things. Praying for your peace. From a former Linden McKinley Basketball Player

Donna Minor

January 28, 2013

RIP Brian you will be miss

Gary Ebright

January 27, 2013

Condolences and prayers go out to Brian's family. As a fellow class of 73 grad I have great memories of Brian and the outstanding city league championship team. But more than a great basketball player, Brian was a person who cared deeply for others. He will live in our hearts forever.

Charles Tatum

January 26, 2013

To the family of Brian Williams, I must say that God has taken home one of His giants in this life. I had the privilege of attending old Roosevelt middle school with Brian and host of other great athletes. He will be missed dearly. May God continue to bless and keep his family.

Gayle (Dowdell) Wilson

January 25, 2013

I had the honor of running into Brian a few years ago at a luncheon. I heard all this excitement behind me. I turned to see what was going on and Brian had just entered the room. People were all over him, wanting to shake his hand. He still after all these years commanded an audience wherever he was. He recognized me, and gave me a big hug. Watching him play basketball was theater. He was a wonderful person and made my memories of SHS some of the best. My prayers are with his family.

Lee Menefee

January 23, 2013

I was shocked and sadden to learn of Brian's passing. It's hard losing family at any age especially an unexpected loss. Brian was known as a great basketball player but, he was an even greater person. Even though I haven't been to the family reunion in the past few years, I will miss seeing and talking to you. Rest in peace cuz.

Mike

January 22, 2013

Rest in peace and you sure will be missed!!!

January 20, 2013

Rest in peace, Brian.

Carleton L. Porter

Brenda Peppers

January 19, 2013

Oh, Brian I'm going to miss you so much! R.I.P. my friend forever.

cindy vogel

January 18, 2013

a good man .My prayers go out to his family .

Theresa Hargrove

January 18, 2013

May God continue to bless the Williams family. Brian was a wonderful person who will truly be missed. It was wonderful seeing him at the South High meet and greet.

Angie

January 18, 2013

Rest in peace Brian.

Marilyn Milligan Dixon

January 18, 2013

My prayers go out to the Williams family. I have known Brian for many years and he was always a joy to be around.

Diane Milligan

January 18, 2013

I will miss you. The 4th of July will never be the same. RIP. Love you.

Larry Milligan

January 18, 2013

Words cannot describe my feelings at this time. Brian was my friend for over 50 years. My prayers go out to his family. I will miss him.

Marilynne Flint

January 18, 2013

May God Bless the Williams Family.
RIH Brian.

January 17, 2013

To all of Brian's family, we are so sorry for your loss. As you know, he was such a wonderful man. It's hard to picture being at Hartley without him around. He was a great mentor, coach and friend to so many students through the years. It was an honor to know him.
--The Briggs family

Nick Lacy

January 17, 2013

May God bless Brian and the Williams Family in this time of Sadness. B was a good friend and truly a funny guy. We had some great times in English class! Nick Lacy, AZ

Connie Edwards SHS

January 17, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

craige cliff

January 17, 2013

RIP

Craige Cliff

Lynn Smallwood-Ray

January 17, 2013

"Brian, Brian, he's our man; if he can't do it NOBODY can. Sink it, Brian, sink it!" My heartfelt condolences to the Williams Family and everyone who had a close relationship with this outstanding man. I was a cheerleader when he played basketball at SJH and SHS. Until recently I would run into him in the store. Yes, he has a great smile and was so happy to see fellow classmates. I am saddened by the news, but I trust that Brian is with the Lord. May God grant to you His peace that passes all understanding. May fond, loving memories of Brian give you comfort. He is one of the good guys. That's a good thing.

DENISE STCLAIR

January 17, 2013

R.I.P. ONE OF GOD'S ANGELS

Michelle Zuccarelli

January 17, 2013

Brian always had a hello, a smile and a hug when I entered Hartley. I pray that God grants the Williams' family peace and grace during the days and years ahead, and that memories of Brian will light every day. They surely will for the Hartley family.

Lynnie Hagans Reggins

January 17, 2013

I remember when I was little Brian hanging out with my Uncle Poe and I would get so excited watching him play basketball on television. Brian was always such a nice person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and love ones. Especially Skeet and my Uncle Poe.

The Pearson sisters: Anne, Marty, Bev & Peaches

January 17, 2013

Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Brian is looking down, smiling.. his job is done. He is resting in Peace.

Marvin Stevens

January 17, 2013

My deepest condolences to the Williams Family. My Bulldog brother will truly be missed. Brian left many great memories for us all. I remember his cool style, smooth jumper and finger rolls. WOW! Honored to have been a friend and teammate. God Bless/RIP

January 17, 2013

Our prayers go out to the Williams family. So very sorry for your loss.
Traci, Addie and Emily Zavatsky

Delacy Woods

January 17, 2013

My Condolences To Brian Williams Family. Brian And I Met And Became Friends Years Ago At Bishop Hartley Where I Played Bingo. Brians Ever Present Smile Always Warmed My Heart Whenever We Saw Each Other. He Had A Gentle Soul And A Caring Heart. I Will Miss You Brian...And Love You Forever

Sean Harshaw

January 17, 2013

RIP big cuz, you'll be missed.

Richard Terry, Sr.

January 16, 2013

I have fond memories when we were kids playing basketball at Kent Elementary School and running through the neighborhood. He was a good friend. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. May God Bless.

January 16, 2013

Our deepest condolences to the family of Brian Williams. Brian has been a family friend for many years. He was our "road dog" for many Hartley and Kiski football games. Our gatherings which included Brian's fried fish & chicken are legendary. I appreciated you lecturing Paige as she tried to beat the morning bell at Hartley and helping her with that crazy locker. Space will not permit me to include all the wonderful memories we could share. You will be missed but you will live forever in our hearts.

The Caldwells - Donnie, Janet, Joey, Brandon & Paige

My grandkids love the game

Gracie Pierce/Burke

January 16, 2013

This is a time for remembering-for smiling at his stories and his life and shedding tears at your loss-this is a way of Keeping Brian closs even as we say good-bye.And those memories will be with me forever My thoughts go out to the Williams family rest in peace old friend

fasanhia Rogers/wilkerson

January 16, 2013

Brian and I went RJH and SHS.He was a good guy.Rest in peace,God confort your family in the days to come.

January 16, 2013

Brain ,I'll see you when I get there ! Your friend from Michigan DEBRA LEWIS

January 16, 2013

Everyone at Hartley adored Mr. Williams. He will be dearly missed.

Greg Winbush

January 16, 2013

Brian - You will be missed by all city league ball players and friends.
Your friend,
Greg Winbush
East High 1973

January 16, 2013

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Williams family. Brian touched the lives of so many young and old at Bishop Hartley High School. We will miss you Brian!
Joyce & Michael Thomas

January 16, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Williams Family. Brian was our best friend who we will always remember as a true true friend.


Skeet and Poe

skeet/ poe

January 16, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Williams Family. Brian was our best friend who we will always remember as a true true friend.

Derek Brinkley

January 16, 2013

My father played basketball with Brian and we had the good fortune of getting to know him over the years. We send our thoughts and prayers to the family. Hopefully my dad and Brian are playing a great 1-on-1 game in heaven right now!

Derek Brinkley and the Brinkley Family

Barbara Davidson Issa

January 16, 2013

Brian, I loved you then...and I love you now. You have truely been an inspiration for not only your friends, but to many young men who have gone one to fullfill their basketball dreams. Always know, that God is good and he does things in his own time, not ours... Will see you on the other side brother in Christ. May God bless you & your family. Barbara Davidson Issa 1973 SHS.

January 16, 2013

I had the good fortune to watch Brian play on several occasions during his high school days at South, but even better, I eventually got to know him and work with him when he came to Hartley and got involved in our basketball program. Brian became a very positive influence on both the students and athletes at Hartley and certainly, like me, became a Hawk by adoption. I am very saddened by his passing but am thankful for my association with him during his time at Hartley. My wife and I offer our sincere codolences to Brian's family.

Dick and Mary Ellen Geyer

Lawrence Siefert

January 16, 2013

You will be missed.

Dan Campbell

January 16, 2013

I've been a UC basketball fan for forty years and Brian was as naturally gifted a player as I've seen in those forty years. Rest In Peace #45.

January 16, 2013

I went to UC with Brain and to the family of Brian my prayers are with you! Brian you are missed
Kendra

Conny Warren, Jr.

January 16, 2013

Rest in peace my brother. To one of the best and greaters all time people and friend, ball player and human being that I have the pleasure of meeting in my humble lifetime. You do not meet as many sincere people as you. When I move to Columbus you treated me as a brother and I have met many good people through you in my life. Every person that I know that knows you feels the same way about you, that you great human being. I am truly sadden my your early and unexpected passing. You will always be my friend and buddy. It is so sad that as time passes on you cannot hang out like we did when we were younger. You are a great buddy that I have the pleasure of hooping with and showing you the college ropes to become a great college basketball star. We will truly miss you my friend. We only hope the good Lord take care of you like you did for so many others. Peace

January 16, 2013

A great man. The Buechners, mike, mary, jimi, jenn and bryan

Tasha Templeton

January 16, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God grant you peace and understanding.

Tasha

January 16, 2013

My thoughts & prayers go out to the Williams Family;I was a classmate & Friend of Brian's at the Univ of Cinti ;He was without A DOUBT one of the Most talented bBall Players EVER!I will miss Him;
Larry Bryant
Cinti,Ohio

Sharon Dawson (Bates)

January 16, 2013

B.W. I remember the SHS days. You were a good person and a talented athlete. My condolences to the Williams Family and friends. Brian will be truly missed.God Bless you and comfort you in your time of grief.

April Pierce

January 16, 2013

To the family of Mr.Williams my deepest sympathy he will be missed.I pray that god will give the family comfort.bless you all The Pierce/Woodley family

January 16, 2013

To the family of Brian A. Williams. He was my Big Brother. We've been friends for 50 years. I will never forget his smile and protective ways. We were blessed to have known him. Peace on your Journey " B ". I love You. God bless his Family, cherish his memory. He was a good man. Phyllis Johnson Hackney ( Skeet's sister).

Audrey Carter-Hutchings

January 16, 2013

Condolences to the entire Williams family. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

January 16, 2013

To the family of Mr.Brian Williams,my deepest sympathy he will be missed.I pray that god gives the Smith family comfort.god bless The Pierce,Woodley family

Denise Kinzer

January 16, 2013

To the entire Williams family: Sending our deepest sympathy. He played a special part in my granddaughter's life during her freshman year playing volleyball. He will be truly missed

Linda Bridges

January 16, 2013

To the family of Brian Williams I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Brian's passing. He will be sadly missed and never forgotten by so many.

Mersulla English

January 16, 2013

Condolences to the family during this difficult journey.

Mersulla and Dave English
SHS Bulldogs

Charlene Dalton (Darthard)

January 16, 2013

Blessings and Peace to your family during this difficult time.

Charlene Dalton
Class of 1973 "Bulldog"

Rhonda (Muffin) Bell Franklin

January 16, 2013

To the family of Brian Williams, be comforted in knowing Brian knew the Lord. He was always warm, friendly, and kind whenever I ran into him. He will truly be missed.

January 16, 2013

My friend and mentor. You have taught me a great deal about life. You will be missed.

Greg Reissland

DENISE MOORE

January 16, 2013

RIP BRIAN

Debra. F. Harris

January 16, 2013

To the family of Mr. Brian A. Williams, I am deeply saddened to hear of Brian's passing and wanted to let you all know that your family has my sincere sympathy and prayers. Brian and I were long time friends from his high school days and I will cherish fond memories that I shared with him. A gentle, humble and extremely gifted brother with a "huge" personality and great love for people. Peace and Blessings, Debra F. Harris, Atlanta, Georgia

George Hunter

January 16, 2013

To the family of Brian Williams:

This is a rough one. Brian is the legend in the Hunter household and will always be "my cat."

His legacy speaks for itself.

I sincerely love you all

Coach Hunter

The Dawes Family

January 16, 2013

Our family will truly miss Brian! He played a special part of my 3 girls experience at Bishop Hartley! We love you and will never forget you!

January 16, 2013

Brian Williams was truly a gift to the students at Bishop Hartley. His quiet words of wisdom would always gently guide them in the right direction. He will truly be missed! My deepest sympathy to the family and I pray that the God of all comfort will support and sustain you through this time.
Benita, Salvatore, and Benjamin Reedus

Willie D. Strait Jr

January 15, 2013

Heaven just received one great ball player and person. My thoughts and Prayer for Brian and the entire Williams family.

January 15, 2013

My Condolences to the Williams family. Never will forget the days on Kelton ave, Kent St, the Roughrider and Bulldog years, your memories will be held forever. B..... I will miss that stride and big smile you always had. But yourlegency will live forever in my heart and when I talk about the best ever, you will be right there. There is another court for you to step on, game well played. R.I.P. brother....
Michael Barnes and family

Pat Austin

January 15, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Pam Allen

January 15, 2013

I knew Brian from RJH to SHS to UC where he left basketball memories too beautiful to forget. I will remember not that he died, but that he lived!
My deepest sympathy to the family.

Victoria Caldwell

January 15, 2013

Loving thoughts of a wonderful person. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Bishop Hartley Stude

January 15, 2013

Mr. Williams was a part of the Bishop Hartley volleyball program just as much as the players were. He was a huge part of our family. His words of encouragement are long lasting and he will forever be remembered.

Heather Cousins

January 15, 2013

Brian was a wonderful person. I have truly enjoyed getting to know him over the past years at our family reunions. He was a great help to me as we fought with those crazy tents each year. And he definitely could fry some fish. I'm going to miss him so much. I will keep his family in my prayers as you are all my family too. Much Love to you all.
Heather and Devin Cousins and Family

Terry & Joyce Guice

January 15, 2013

It has been a honor and privilege to have known Brian during our Jr.High and High School days. He was a person of integrity and laughter. Rest in peace Brian .You will truly be missed during tournament time.
Terry & Joyce (Sinkford) Guice
Columbus South Bulldogs
Class of "73"

Karen "Boss" Thomas

January 15, 2013

Brian has been my friend since the eighth grade snowball fight where he gave me the nickname that would follow me all through high school. My sincere condolences to his family. May God give you comfort. Rest in peace, Brian.

Sheilah Jackson-James

January 15, 2013

To the Williams family,from the James family, Sheilah and Arthur we send our deepest condolences. May your love one rest peacefully in the lord's hands.

Phillip Pollard

January 15, 2013

My teammate,(72/73)and brother,I'll truly miss you, blessed to have known you,spent time w/you, hung out w/you,truly know you,MY FRIEND.

Sandra Jackson

January 15, 2013

Brian rest in peace. Now God has you playing in the big league in heaven. You have earned your wings and your legacy will live on. Thank you for teaching us to live above the rim of life!

DAVID ALEXANDER

January 15, 2013

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER MY FRIEND BRIAN WILLIANS AND HIS WARM SMILE AND FRIENDSHIP THAT HE GAVE EVERYONE HE WAS AROUND.REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND,YOU WILL BE ONE OF THE BEST SHOOTING GUARDS IN HEAVEN !

January 15, 2013

My prayers go out to your family. You are missed big brother.

Linnette

Dwana Jemison

January 15, 2013

May the spirt of the Lord be with u my wonderful brother, We met in the spirt when we both was on a journey at the Univ of Cincinnati,u will always be in my prayers an I know u are with the King, rest well my brother, until we meet again, in God's place. Ms. Dwana Jemison

Bishop Hartley Mom

January 15, 2013

Although I did not personally know Mr. Williams he has been a friend/confidant/mentor to my son for the last three years. Thank you Mr. Williams for sharing your experiences and time with my son.

James Gantner

January 15, 2013

Our prayers are with Brian's family. He will be missed, God bless.

January 15, 2013

I'm not sure any person can truly grasp the number of lives Brian has touched. I was fortunate enough to still see him on a somewhat regular basis and still got to share in many laughs. You will be missed, but not forgotten. RIP.

January 15, 2013

Mr. Williams was someone I could always count on to see and I knew he'd be smiling or have me smiling, he loved basketball and fishing and he is truly a great man. I want to send my condolences to his family and assure them that he was the greatest most friendly man ever and he always had high spirits always in a good mood.

Riccarda Jenkins

January 15, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jewel Smith

January 15, 2013

To the Family of Brian Williams,
Know that we will keep you in our prayers. Brian was a great person with a smile that would light up the room. Know that Earth's loss is Heaven's gain. Rest in peace Brian Cousin Jewel and family

Jimmie Wilder III

January 15, 2013

I attended South High School at the same time as BW and knew him very well. Always a pleasant and affable young man those many years ago. I retired from the Army and have not seen him in many years, but those b-ball skills he was blessed with were truly awesome to watch. Peace and love to his family and all of the grads of South HS who I have not seen in many years. May he now by the grace and love of God find eternal peace and rest in the name of Jesus. Amen

Ray Clark

January 15, 2013

To The Wiliams Family,

Thoughts & prayers go out to the entire Williams Family, including Brian's cousins over in the Bottoms where we first met him when we were all kids. Brian was a bigger than life superstar, but he wasn an even better friend & person! Will miss seeing him every time I came to town to visit - I always knew I could find him at Hartley, helping my brother Johnny! Rest peaceful Young Man, Rest Peaceful, you are now on the Ultimate All-Star Team!

Clark Family - Joyce, Paula, Johnny & Ray

Barry Thigpen

January 15, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Williams family. Brian was a great person and outstanding basketball talent, I haven't seen Brian in years...but he will still be missed. God Bless

Barbara Kneeland

January 15, 2013

Our deepest heartfelt sympathies to Brian's children, family and friends. As a parent of 2 boys that attended BHHS who worked under Mr. Williams, it fills my heart with joy to know that while at school there was someone who cared and took care of my boys and to know how Brian's passing has affected them makes me realize how thankful I am for them to have had Brian in their life. May you rest in the glorious peace you so deserve Mr. Williams.
with Sympathy & Prayers,
The Kneeland Family (Charles, Drew and parents)

The Bordner Family!

January 15, 2013

So sad to hear the news about Mr Williams! His smile and kind words will always echo throughout Hartley!

Rudy & Maria Murry

January 15, 2013

To the Williams Family,

Our most Heartfelt condolences go out to the Williams Family. Brian was a Dear Friend. He touched our hearts in so many ways. He will be Truly missed. We love you Brian. R.I.P

Karen Cosby-Martin

January 15, 2013

I was a couple years ahead of Brian...but I remember his basketball talents. RIP Brian

SHS Class of '71

January 15, 2013

Our prayers are with you my brother. I remember our last conversation just after your return to work. We discussed our illnesses and the power of prayer. Thank you for the words of encouragement you always had for D'Asia. May your entire family be blessed. We'll see you on the other side.
Jesse, Martha & D'Asia Simmons

Edward Mills

January 15, 2013

My condolences to Brian Williams family and friends. May Brian Rest In Peace.

ed willis

January 15, 2013

my blessing are with you

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