Walter Robert Williams

Walter Robert Williams passed away on May 18th, 2025, due to natural causes at the age of 82 in Minnesota. Minneapolis was his longtime home, but he spent much of the last several decades living on the beach in Mazunte, Mexico. Walter was a Master Painter and Printmaker. He sold countless works of art and exhibited in shows both in the U.S. and Mexico. In addition to being an Artist, he was a collector and seller of African and South American art and artifacts.

Nicknamed "Sonny" as a child growing up in Evanston, IL, he took to drawing at a young age and was a skilled athlete, playing in the Illinois state basketball championship game in his senior year of high school. He served in the Air Force from 1961 to 1965 as an aircraft mechanic, and after an Honorable Discharge, he attended the University of Minnesota.

Some may remember him as "Dr. Wally," hosting a Reggae and World Music show on KFAI Radio in Minneapolis for many years. He loved music and compiled a huge collection of albums and CDs. Ever the entrepreneur, he dabbled in selling fresh juice and coffee at art festivals, making natural bug repellent, giving art lessons, and making t-shirts.

Walter was born in May of 1942, in Springfield, IL, to father Walter Robert Williams and Mother Maud Donaldson. He is survived by his younger sisters, Donna Williams, Winifred Williams, and Mary Williams, as well as his sons, Garret Christopher Williams, Montgomery Lee Williams, and daughter Sarah Liliana Wolking, and his grandchildren, Zavaughn Williams(son of Montgomery) and Lila & Vivian Williams(daughters of Garret).

Walter was truly one of a kind, living a life of both adventure and struggle. He was a proud father and grandfather, and regarding his accomplishments, he was most proud of graduating from University, building a home in Mexico, his paintings, graphics, and other works of art.

He wanted to be remembered as a man who "Did whatever I wanted to do."

Walter will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.