Benjamin J. Williams

Benjamin J. Williams, age 87, of Lauderhill, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2022. The longtime educator and community icon leaves an indelible mark on the Broward County community. Born in Bartow, Florida on December 21, 1934, to Benjamin Williams, Sr. and Gussie Williams Watson, Benjamin was strongly influenced by his grandparents, James and Alberta Waldon.

From an early age, Mr. Williams demonstrated an excitement for learning. He began elementary school early, starting first grade at age 4, and progressed rapidly through his formative education. By the young age of 15, he was a freshman walking the green hills of Florida A&M University. After completing his Bachelor's degree in Education, he earned a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University and completed extensive post-graduate study in Administration and Supervision.

Mr. Williams began his pioneering career as a teacher in Broward County at Dillard Elementary School in 1955. In 1965, he was chosen to be one of a select group of teachers who integrated the classrooms of Broward's public schools. Over the next ten years, he rose from classroom teacher to principal within the Nova Elementary School Community. He was a true innovator, establishing the county's first magnet school program, Walker Elementary School, after engaging in research and collaboration with districts across the nation. He continued the design and implementation of outstanding magnet programs within the district, opening the first middle school magnet program at Parkway Middle School for Performing Arts and Technology. He continued his leadership at Dillard High School in 1992 and remained at the landmark school until his retirement in 1994.

Mr. Williams and his beautiful wife Rebecca, a former Reading Supervisor for Broward Schools, touched a generation of learners and educators, influencing education within the district for over half a century. He was elected to the School Board in 2000, serving multiple times as vice-chair and chairperson, before stepping down in 2012, at the conclusion of his third term. His service to the community was not limited to the school district, he also served in multiple organizations such as the Board of the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Broward County; Broward Cultural Council; Board Member, Broward L.A. Lee Branch of the YMCA; Former President, Fort Lauderdale Northwest Redevelopment Council; Chairperson, The Sun-Sentinel Diversity Venture Fund; and Board Member, Urban League of Broward.

Over the years, Mr. Williams, known to thousands of residents as Mr. Fantastic, received numerous awards and honors for his commitment to education and to the community. Among such awards: Old Dillard Museum Tree of Life Inductee, 2012; The African American Achievers Award, 2006; United Way Volunteer of the Year, 2000; Broward County Educator of the Year, 1993; Fort Lauderdale’s Honorary Citizen of the Year, 1985.

Committed to his Christian faith, Mr. Williams was a member of New Mount Olive Baptist Church for over 55 years and has served as the church treasurer and as a member of the church’s Finance Committee.

Preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents and his sister, Gwendolyn Strong, Mr. Williams is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Mary Rebecca Williams; his sons Steven J. Williams and Benjamin Williams, III; Robin Bryant, whom he raised as his daughter; grandchildren Kevin Williams, Benjamin Williams, Emadi Williams, Elan Williams, Alasia Williams and Steven Williams, Jr.; great-grandchildren ZeKarri Williams, Zariah Williams and Journey Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.