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Rudolph Williams Obituary

WILLIAMS Rudolph Williams was born August 16, 1928, he expired August 25, 2002 at home on his beloved American Beach where he was respected as the “ Mr. American Beach overseer.” “ Rudy” was born to the parents of John L. Battise and Dora Fay Williams-Griffin. He was born in Jacksonville, FL and moved to Fernandina Beach at an early age. He was reared by the family along with his mother. He attended Peck High School in Fernandina Beach and was a member of the class of 1948. He later married Terethel Christopher and this union produced six children. “ Rudy” worked at Container Corporation of America (Smurfit-Stone) for 42 years. He was respected and known for his strong commitment to his family and to the community at large. He was a life long member of St. Peters Episcopal Church. “ Rudy” is survived by his children, two daughters: Beverly (Donald) Baake of San Diego, CA, Donna (William) McCollough of Fernandina Beach, FL; four sons: R. Eugene Williams of Miami, FL, Ronald Williams (deceased), Bishop Vernon (Helen), a devoted daughter-in-law Williams of Coral Springs, FL; wife, Terethel Williams; one sister: Ercell West of Jacksonville, FL; three sister-in-laws: Elleanor Christopher of Clearwater, FL, Octavia Colson of Brooklyn, New York and Cossette Gaskin of Newark, N.J.; one grand aunt: Rosa Parrish of St. Marys, GA; twenty one grand children and twenty one great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, 31 August 2002 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Peters Episcopal Church, located at Atlantic and 8th Street. Pubic viewing will be held today Friday, 30 August 2002 at 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m., at the Elm Street Church of God, on the corner of 11th and Elm St. The family will be lining up for the funeral procession at the deceased home at 5401 Waldron St., American Beach at 10:00 a.m. Entrusted to Huff & Battise Funeral Home, 410 Beech St., Fernandina Beach, FL. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union from Aug. 27 to Aug. 30, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Rudolph Williams

Sponsored by Ken Williams / Mary Seymour & Walter & Dorothy Jones .

26 Entries

Tom Lewis

August 21, 2023

Think of Rudy often!

Darion Mccollough

April 14, 2021

Hey Granddad
I miss you love you wish you were still here you're gone my mom is gone and Nana's gone I hope you guys are partying and a higher place having the time of your life.

Your loving grandson Darion McCollough

Ken Williams

December 13, 2020

A great cousin and a great friend, also a huge influence in my career

James Sweet

July 4, 2009

HEY RUDIE (Pops)
FOR 6 1/2 YEARS I ASK MYSELF WHY , AND HOW COULD I REMEMBER THE SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND THE STERN YET SETTLE BARITONE VOICE I VISITED OFTEN IN MY MIND LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY @ ELM ST OR AT OUR HOME IN THE COMMUNITY ,OR @ THE BEACH . YOU KNOW THOSE TALKS FROM A CHILD THROUGH OUT CHILDHOOD TO TEEN YEARS UNTIL I DEPARTED THE DENA . MY STORY IS A LOT DIFFERENT THAN MANY OTHERS ,YOU CLEARLY UNDERSTAND . OH ! BY THE WAY GENE AND RAY ARE STILL MY BROTHERS WE TALK OFTEN TIMES , ALTHOUGH GENE AND I VREBALIZE THE MOST HERE IN CALIFORNIA .Beverly we haven't had the pleasure of honestly talking with each other like we did in our childhood days . surely you don't understand that ! Oh Ya ! Vernon I havn't spoken with him . . . well Ray says he's doing great in his line of work . I antispate soon I can see our brother so we can expose the truth about what we believe ,and how to live by it . I know it took me a long time to pick up a small fragments of the torn pieces of my life you left me to nurture. I finally got the inspirations to pen these few lines while still in a muddy frame of selective thoughts ,but It's a strong P.L.P. for me . .. Last year I got in touch with Kenny like you ask me to . I haven't had the pleasure of a face to face greeting yet but over the phone has been very delightful and trusting .He talks about you every time we converse,he is always rreminding me of the good times you guys shared . I still hear you calling my name today . We all have our own reasons for the sketches of you with love.
James Sweet

Beverly Baake

September 14, 2008

Dad,
You wont believe this but Ken and Mary visited me in San Diego. Mary's son is the musical director for a play called "Memphis" that's being shown here in San Diego. We've had nothing but fun reminiscing about you and the good ole days. We know you were with us in spirit. Bev

Beverly Baake

July 15, 2008

Hi Dad,
Just a note to say I remember the fun times we shared when you were here, and I'm so thankful for the memories. You would be so proud of your granddaughter Jennifer who is doing very well in N.Y. She's had an opportunity to do TV commercials and is also teaching. Keep watching over her.

Your daughter,

Ken Williams

January 28, 2007

Hello KUZ,

You won't believe what I did in Sept. man I gave in to old Author,
you know him also his last name is Ritus, he has a cousin called Ruma and his last name is Tizum. Author sent me to the hospital and I had to get two new knees instaled. So far So Good. Now they are over in Jax. Fl. bothering my Sister.
We miss you very much.the beach will never be the same. I'll write
again soon

Ken

Tom Lewis

August 17, 2005

I saw Kenny and Mary Williams on Tuesday. We had a great time talking about Rudy. He was my best friend. I think of him every day.

I own a Shoney's in Walterboro, SC now. I am at exit 53 on I-95. Stop by and see me. Tom

Beverly Baake

July 24, 2005

To: Kenny and Mary Williams

Thanks couz for all that you and Mary did for my granddaughter, Jennifer and God Bless You two.

Rudy.....

Beverly Baake

July 24, 2005

Hello Daddy,

I just know you've got a big smile on your face and are feeling very proud of your granddaughter Jennifer as she passed the audition at the Alvin Ailey Dance School. And I know you're saying atta boy Kenny for how you and Mary took good care of his baby over the weekend.

Jennifer said she had a ball with Ken and Mary and that Kenny is very funny..he kept talking about you. She loved it and the experience of being around her cousins for the first time. Don't worry daddy she didn't embarrass you either.

We're all very proud of Jennifer and we will continue to keep her on the straight and the narrow line to make sure she achieves her goals both personally and professionally.

Keep watching out for Jennifer from up there as she will be moving to New York next month, August!!

We wish you were here!

Love your daughter,

Beverly

Ken Williams

March 21, 2005

Hey Cuz, just to let you know., WE WON THE GRAMMY WITH "YOU DON'T KNOW MY NAME" by ALACIA KEYS. Sure wish you were there, we had a ball. Now we are starting on our next hit.

Later,

Ken & Mary

Ken Williams

October 27, 2004

HEYYYY CUZ.

Man I wish you could be here now, you would have a great time. I am Nominated for a Grammy.The Grammy's will be held in LA.in FEB. We are praying to win one. The Alicia Keys Record is still going strong. it would be great to win. I would probally pass out. I know you see whats going on, I just wish you was here to share this stage of my life with me. I also got an award from BMI. plus another great write-up in the Fernandina News Leader.All I can say is; GOD IS GOOD. I'll keep in touch.

Your Cuz

Kenny

Beverly Baake

June 17, 2004

Hello Dad,

I know you're enjoying your new home very much and we sure do miss you. I know you were with us on May 29th in San Francisco when Jennifer graduated from college. Vernon and Helen were both there to represent you and mom. It was such a blessing to have them come and be a part of such a happy occassion. Jennifer was beaming from ear to ear. During the dinner celebration we both were just water bags- we were shedding tears of joy, so it was okay. I know that you are as proud as I am of the first granddaughter to graduate from college. She's talking of doing a master's degree as well, what spunk!

Guess what? Shawn and Carlene had baby number 5 on yesterday. His name is Christian James or C.J., 7.5/lb, 20" long. I think this is it for now and I do hope so for Carlene's sake. Mom and baby are doing fine, I saw C.J for the first time on tonight, took some pictures. He's so cute, but aren't they all. Well it's late and I have to get up very early tomorrow for work. Continue enjoying your new home and I'll update you again.

Your Daughter,

Beverly

Beverly Baake

March 9, 2004

Hello Dad,

We all wish you could be here to see and share with Kenny on his special day of celebration in Fernandina. I heard it was a fabulous celebration in honor on Kenny. You were honorably mentioned in the newspaper article that was published in the local newspaper. Wow! Kenny really has made it big thanks to your help and encouragement - what a blessing. Well this is it for now, I'll share more later.

Love your daughter,

Beverly

Ken Williams

February 28, 2004

Kuz; I just want to let you know how the show went on the 23rd of Feb. I think we really did it up. I was all choked up trying to sing and tell jokes. Man I wish you were there. I think you would have been proud when The Mayor of Fernandina gave me the Key To The City.thanks for all you did for me. the show was dedicated to my family, and you was at the top of the list.

I miss you man.

Ken Williams

January 1, 2004

Well Cuz,I finally did it. I have the number one record in the country. Alicia Keys Recorded my song and it's a BIG HIT. the title is "YOU DON'T KNOW MY NAME." It's #1 all over. Also I'm being honored on Feb. 23rd at Peck High School. That day will be known as Ken Williams Day. The Mayor is going to present me with the Key To The City. I sure wish you were here to share the day with me. I miss you man.

Ken Williams

January 22, 2003

Hey Rudy. I just wanted to let you know that Mary and I got Married on Oct. 24th 2002. Man we had a ball. you would've had a great time.

We really miss you man. any way I took care of the fun for you. I forgot to tell you before,but HAPPY NEW YEAR. I'll get back with you later.

As always.

Kenny.

Helen Williams

November 2, 2002

Dad

It still seem so unreal that yo`re gone, even though we know it was going to be. I can still hear your voice as you answer the phone hello, Hi baby how you doing my reply would be everybody is fine dad how are you feeling today and you would say oh Helen no need to complain you just take one day at a time,and he would say how`s Vernon, and I`ll would have something funny to say and you`ll laugh and say well baby just do the best you can,we would always make each other laugh before we said good-by and then you would say I love you and I`ll say I love you too dad and the conversation would end.

I really miss our chats dad.

Your daughter In-law Helen

Vernon Williams

November 2, 2002

Daddy

By now you are in your new home, but I miss you so much, I can`t get a phone call from you so I call your house just to hear you say hello.I know God did what was best,but I yet miss you.Thank you for the good days we had together,and the smile you put on my face.I know you are fishing so caught enough for me.

Love you your son

Vernon

Jennifer Jones

November 1, 2002

My Grandaddy,

What more can I say! I sit and reminisce constantly about the time we have spent together. From the moment I came into this world we have always had a close bond. You were my first dance teacher!, and everytime I came to visit you we would always play and dance for hours. I always had a good time staying with you, and as I matured and grew into a young women, you always reminded me how important school is and that I shouldn't take any wooden nickels!

I love you and miss you dearly,

Your Grandbaby,

Jennifer

P.S. I know I couldn't see you off to your new home, but I know you are up there smiling down on us.

Brien Laing

October 31, 2002

Rudy and I enjoyed our many visits at the house, or on 'his bench' in front of 'the store.'

He introduced me to his friends and relatives who always stopped for a chat no matter how busy they were at the moment. They cared for him in a very unique way. Even during his last difficult days he found the energy to visit 'the store' so as not to miss a chance to wish his friends well.

Rudy introduced me to pound cake with our coffee and the 'store' always had a supply available. We talked away many memorable hours during our visits. Few conversed with as much caring and common sense as our buddy Rudy. I learned by listening carefully to what he had to say.

Rudy always sent a rose home for Lois when they were available. This was a wonderful gesture and characteristic of his appreciation for people. Lois loved him dearly.

Lastly, Rudy had a deep appreciation for his church, first the Good Shepherd, and later the new St. Peter's.

Buddy, you were filled with love and caring for others, and we will always talk to you in our prayers.

God love you,

Your proud cousin,

Brien

Beverly Baake

October 30, 2002

Dear Daddy,

It has been two months and four days since you move to your new home. I know you're enjoying yourself because the pain is now over.

I can see you standing in clear blue water at a beautiful beach similar to American Beach with your fishing pole in your hand, wearing your tattered shorts with a bucket of fishing bait sitting close by. Your eyes filled with excitement just waiting for the big one to bite. But, if it doesn't, you're still happy enjoying your day at the beach. Have fun daddy soaking up the sun, making as many new friends as I'm sure you will cause for you life is now good. You've fought the good fight, now enjoy the blessings from God.

I miss you very much and I love you.

Your daugher,

Beverly

Charles Mosley

September 10, 2002

On my last visit with Uncle Rudolph, he was in good spirits. In spite of his infirmities, he reflected on the enjoyable times of his life and he went on to say that the only thing that he wished for in life was the restoration of his health. He is now in a better place.

Ken Williams

August 30, 2002

Rudy was:

My Mentor/Friend/Pal/Buddy/Partner/Promoter/Big Brother and my COUSIN. We had a lot great times together. He got me started in a Successful Musical career. To me, and many others he was an Icon. I'm

going to miss him very much.

God bless the Family of a Great Man.

Ken Williams

Walter & Dorothy Jones

August 30, 2002

We loved Rudy (our cousin) very much and we are going to miss him, his sense of family, his thoughtfulness, his love, his humor, and just the time that we would spend together. He always referred to the group of us that came over and would just take over his house, kitchen and have the best get togethers as the "Gang". When we would get ready to leave he would tell us that the bridge was out and we couldn't leave. He was such a wonderful man, who loved life and his family and his friends. He will be missed so very much. But we have so many wonderful memories.

May God continue to give you the strength you need at this your time of sorrow.

With love and sympathy

Your Cousins

JAN & BEN SUYDAM

August 27, 2002

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mr.Rudy's family. He was one of the finest people I've ever had the pleasure to have known. If I or my husband can be of any assistance to the family, please feel free to contact us. I believe our telephone & address are in Mr.Rudy's book. Again, our deepest sympathy.....Jan & Ben Suydam

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