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Benjamin Williams Obituary
Raleigh
Benjamin Forrest Williams, 91, passed away peacefully at the University of North Carolina Memorial Hospital on Friday, November 24, 2017.
Ben was born to Benjamin Forrest Williams, Sr. and Mamie Britt Williams on December 24, 1925 in Lumberton, NC. An artist, he studied at the Corcoran School of Art and Black Mountain College before ultimately receiving a degree from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He then studied in France with Henri Matisse before being recalled to North Carolina to join the North Carolina Museum of Art in 1949, where he was appointed Curator in 1956 and served until 1979. He also served as North Carolina State University's Curator of Art, and was instrumental in starting the Friends of the College series and the Gregg Museum. After his retirement, he led an art critique group for over 30 years. He had a strong interest in the arts and architecture of North Carolina and worked to document and preserve the work of Black Mountain College, Jugtown Pottery, early North Carolina artists, and others. He was awarded the Raleigh Medal of Honor for the Arts by the NC Department of Cultural Resources in 1989.
Ben married Margaret Click in 1955. They were inseparable for their 62 years of marriage and shared a passion for art. They spent many summers traveling in Europe studying art, and also led art tours in Europe and behind the Iron Curtain in the Soviet Union and China. They loved to entertain friends and visiting artists in their home in Raleigh. They later acquired an antebellum home in Yanceyville, NC, which, after a loving restoration, became their primary residence.
Ben was a devoted husband and loving uncle. He was generous with his praise and support of artists. He had a strong desire to create and preserve, continuing to paint, sculpt, and work on various projects until the end of his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother James Herman Williams. He is survived by his wife Margaret, sister-in-law Ruth Click Rosenstein, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and close family friend Curtis Steele.
A celebration of Ben's life for friends and family will be held at the Gregg Museum in Raleigh on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those wishing to memorialize Ben's life may do so with a contribution to Black Mountain College Museum in Asheville or the Gregg Museum in Raleigh.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Williams
Jillian and Larry Goldberg
November 20, 2023
We still miss him deeply. RIP Ben. Your contribution to our lives in the Raleigh arts community is immeasurable.
Jillian Goldberg
November 20, 2019
Ben and Margaret's legacy continues to inform my everyday life. I have a wonderful photographic portrait of Ben in our home, which is frequently the subject of conversation when we have guests. Recently I completed two paintings, using collage materials from old correspondence and papers left by Ben and Margaret in the attic. I was very fortunate to be able to incorporate these personal elements from their long and extraordinary lives, into my own work. Ben's unfailing kindness, generosity and encouragement continue to inspire me. What an honor to have known them both.
Margaret and Ben WIlliams, photographed by Cat Nguyen
PATRICIA Tapp
October 7, 2018
Clarendon Hall photographed by Cat Nguyen
PATRICIA Tapp
October 7, 2018
portrait of Ben Williams
PATRICIA Tapp
October 7, 2018
Ben WIlliams studio at Clarendon Hall, photographed by Cat Nguyen
PATRICIA Tapp
October 7, 2018
Clarendon Hall home of Margaret and Ben WIlliams photographed by Cat Nguyen
PATRICIA Tapp
October 7, 2018
Ben and Margaret, photographed by Cat Nguyen
PATRICIA Tapp
October 7, 2018
Ben and Margaret at the Maypole
Sherri Stewart
December 4, 2017
Ben critiquing Christer Berg's photo:)
Sherri Stewart
December 4, 2017
An honor to have known this legend
Sherri Stewart
December 4, 2017
Jm,aes Tyndall
December 3, 2017
I grew up in Lumberton and lived next door to the Williams and knew Ben well. He was an artist even growing up.
Jillian Goldberg
December 3, 2017
Although I only met Ben and Margaret in their later years, I am profoundly grateful for the kindness, interest and support they expressed in my work. Their whole lives were lived with passion for the arts and for artists. Ben's encyclopedic knowledge of art, and his friendships with many iconic figures in twentieth century art, was astonishing. Those of us who heard his stories in the annual critique classes, will treasure the memories. His advice to us all was unfailingly kind, constructive and considered. What an honor and privilege to have known him. Deepest sympathy to Margaret and all the family.
David Simonton
December 3, 2017
In 1980, Ben, along with Nona Short, founded the Raleigh Photographic Arts Association. It's single goal was "the establishment of an annual competition for NC residents and natives, with an exhibition selected by an out-of-state juror experienced and knowledgeable in the field of fine art photography." The North Carolina Photographers Annual was one of the first of it's kind in the United States. Ben was a visionary. I am grateful for his many contributions to the arts in North Carolina, and for being an early and earnest champion of photography in the state. He will be missed.
Lois McIver Winstead
November 27, 2017
Ben was one of North Carolina's great treasures - an artist, a curator, a historian , a teacher and friend. A man of countless talents and hues, he was unique and brilliant. He and His surviving wife, Margaret, have been my friends for over 60 years. From the "Woman's College" to Raleigh, their wedding in the UNC Arboretum and home in Yanceyville - the years have not dimished our ties of friendship and loyalty. With love and concern for Margaret and my sincere sympathies - I will miss him greatly. Lois McIver Winstead
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