William "Billy" Williams

William Williams Obituary

William ""Billy"" Williams

William "Billy" Williams, surrounded by his family, passed away on June 11, 2013. Born on June 13, 1932, in Newberry, SC, Billy's lifetime love was baseball, spending over nearly 50 years playing and coaching, giving players the confidence to believe in themselves and their unlimited potential. Billy's professional baseball career started in 1952 and he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1954. Billy spent most of the next 18 years in the Indians' farm system. In 1969, at the age of 39, Billy played for the Seattle Pilots, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

After his playing days ended, Billy spent 11 seasons coaching in the Cleveland Indians' organization, including at the major league level from 1995-97. Billy then continued to impart his baseball knowledge as a hitting and third base coach for the Sioux Falls Canaries in the Northern League.

Billy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gloria Christine Williams; his sons Derrick, Jerome, Billy Jr. and Michael; daughters: Vivian, Cheryl, Tracy, and the late Belita; 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donations may be made to "Catch The Next Ball", 14208 Doolittle Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 14 to Jun. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for William Williams

9 Entries

Derek Williams

October 18, 2021

I met Billy back around 1971, his son Michael and me were best friends while attending Glenview Elementary school.

I often slept over their house in Oakland when Billy was playing for the Oakland A's, being a young kid, it didn't really occur to me what his job was, but with the nice grey jag we use to drive in, I knew it was something important.

What a great person and dad Billy was, I felt fortunate to know him and have his son Michael as a friend, we'd go to Billy Williams boutique on Broadway in Oakland and Billy would have them fit Michael and me with pants, that was when I got my first pair of bell bottom pants.

Rest in peace Billy, heaven is not only getting an angel, but one he'll of a baseball player.

Dave Weber

July 31, 2020

I'm seven years late in posting this I guess, but I just came upon this page via a link from another site.

I met Billy during a coaching job he had that doesn't often receive mention: he was volunteering at St. Elizabeth High School (Dave Stewart's alma mater, among others) and I was the JV coach. He was a marvel, working perfectly with kids of all skill levels and in better shape in his late 50s than any of the other coaches or even the teenage players.

One day I came to practice and a lot of the kids were crying and Billy was sitting on the fender of a car.

"Sorry to say, I've got to leave you guys, Dave," he said. Before I could ask what emergency would cause him to quit in mid-March, he said, "Cleveland had to let (well known ex player) go. I've got to be in Tucson to coach first base tomorrow."

Seemed like a bolt from the blue, but he was a long-time Indians organization man and if anyone deserved a late callup after playing just four big league games, it was Billy!

Steve Smith

July 7, 2013

Billy began his baseball career in Keokuk IA playing here in 1955-56. He was very cordial and informative when he was contacted for his Keokuk remembrances. A very nice man.

Fredric London

July 3, 2013

Rest in peace.

Mark Hedin

June 17, 2013

So sad to learn of Mr. Williams' passing. I'd just met him in recent weeks, and was thrilled to do so. Sweet man, with a fascinating story.

Shane Gerlach

June 16, 2013

Very sad to learn of the passing of Billy Williams. He is one of the dearest men I have had the honor of knowing. Best part of my baseball career was working for he and Doc Edwards. Billy took to Donelle and I immediately and made us family. We lost contact when he left Sioux City but he never left my heart. RIP Billy and Godspeed.
He flirted shamelessly with Donelle...well with every woman he met. Class act. He loved being here in the Midwest. Clothes hound, classic car aficionado, baseball encyclopedia and just a wonderful man.

Lee Smith

June 15, 2013

I knew Billy Williams for many, many years and viewed Billy as a great mentor and an extraordinary communicator with an innate ability to relate. He loved the game of baseball inside and out and was well versed to answer questions and give advice on the sport that he loved so dearly. He surely will be missed and the void that he leaves will be felt by many, but especially his family and close friends.
My sincere heartfelt condolences and respect go out to the immediate family of William "Billy" Williams whom he loved above all else. RIP Billy Williams. Brother-in-Law Lee Smith

June 15, 2013

I am sorry for your loss. What a great man your husband and father was !
Respectfully yours,
Art Gates II

thanks for supporting my son, billy!

tim marotz

June 15, 2013

i met billy because HE sought me out! as a parent of a ballplayer most of the experience of seeing your son play at the pro level is vicarious. people within an organization are not interested in anything a parent has to say; save "hi" or "good luck today!" billy was not one of them. i sat in my car in the parking lot , waiting for my son to emerge from the clubhouse post-game at lewis and clark park, home field to the sioux city explorers with whom my son played. this man approached and asked if i was so-and-sos father. i said yes and asked how he knew. first he said "he looks like you so i thought i'd ask." i said yes and he responded by telling me what a fine young man my son was and whether or not he goes further in baseball he will be a success. "i don't think i've ever met a fella as nice as he is!" he asked if i was going to be around that night. "maybe we can sit and talk somewhere. i like to get to know you better." i had to leave after that sunday game to get home. now i wish i had stayed. what a polished, genuinely nice, thoughful person. he shook my hand and said with an ear-to-ear smile let's do it next time you're in town. i haven't been able to get back since. i wisk i had stayed a few more hours. good bye billy! you enriched my life!

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