Bennie Williams

Bennie "Ice Man" Williams, 71, of Emporia, VA, entered eternal rest on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Bon Secours – Southern Virginia Medical Center. Born on March 11, 1954, to the late Gladys Williams Johnson and Peyton Cain, Bennie was a proud Emporian - deeply rooted in his community and fiercely devoted to his family. Bennie was a man of his word. Though his tongue could be sharp at times, his heart was pure gold. His loyalty, wisdom, and wit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
A 1973 graduate of Greensville County High School, Bennie was exceptionally bright-so much so that, as a young boy, he often read encyclopedias for fun. His intellectual curiosity was matched by his passion for sports. A gifted athlete, Bennie earned letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. His athletic journey continued beyond high school as he played for the Washington Park Express Softball Team and the Emporia Black Hawks Basketball Team. He later gave back to his community by coaching the Washington Park Little League Baseball Team, leading them to five consecutive championship seasons.
Bennie had a lifelong passion for fishing, often casting lines with his nephews, cousins, and friends, creating cherished memories by the water.
Over the years, Bennie worked in a variety of roles, building a reputation as a hard worker and natural leader. His professional path included positions at Richard LTD Fashion, Virginia State Medical Center, Greensville Correctional Center, Central State Hospital, and Monarch Medicine Company in Bethesda, Maryland, where he served as Assistant Supervisor.
Bennie was preceded in death by his sister, Ella Louise Spruill, and brothers, Reginald "Moby" Adkins and James "Frankie" Matthews.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service. His memory will be cherished by his daughters, Cynthia Whitaker of the home and Tamika Harris of Emporia, VA; granddaughters, LaSara Carter of Raleigh, NC, Ky'Icess Small, Ky'Liyah, and Zi'Yana Harris all of Emporia, VA; grandsons, JaQuan Washington, Marquez Harris, Akil and Amil Small, all of Emporia, VA; sister, Sophia Mabry (Samuel) of Yorktown, VA; brother, David Matthews of Forest Heights, MD; stepsister, Delores Matthews of Forest Heights, MD; aunts, Marion Barnes, Bertha Webb, Virgie Lee Williams, and Queen Williams, all of Emporia, VA; nephews Alvin "Terry" Spruill (Angie) of Stone Mountain, GA; Samuel Mabry, Jr. (Samantha) of Williamsburg, VA; Stefan Mabry (Ashley) and Carl Mabry of Yorktown, VA; David Johnson of Washington, DC; and William Johnson of Capitol Heights, MD; nieces, Kimberly Johnson of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and Charnee Johnson of Alexandria, VA; great-nephews, Miles, Cole, Kenyari, Noah, Brayden, Kohbi, Kahreim, Desmond, and Quinard; great-nieces, Morgan, Willow, Wakelee, and Brooke; his goddaughter, Takeda Garrett; and a host of cousins he loved dearly and many friends.
His departure leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his legacy of resilience, humor, and heart will live on in those who were fortunate to know him.
Please join the family via-LiveStream: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a2505457954361
R.E. Pearson & Son Funeral Services, Inc
Emporia
556 Halifax Street
Emporia, VA 23847
(434) 634-2162 (434) 634-0175 fax
Lawrenceville
400 Court Street
Lawrenceville, VA 23868
(434) 848-3128 (434) 848-1213 fax
repearsonoffice@aol.com
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