Lydell Lee Williams Sr. Sr.

Lydell Lee Williams Sr., 72, of Racine, WI, formerly of Hannibal, MO, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 2, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Friends and Family are invited to Lydell's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday at the funeral home. Lydell was born March 10, 1953, in Quincy, IL to Albert Williams Jr. and Johnamae Jackson Williams. He was first married to Nina Lee Earl. She precedes him in death. He later married, Chan Walton. She also precedes him in death. Survivors include his companion of seven years, Vondra Martinez of Racine, WI; two children, Billy Dee Williams (Mirmiam) of Houston, TX, and Tanisha Brown of Dallas, TX; one brother, Scott Williams of Hannibal, MO; one sister, Michelle Day (Kenny) of Racine, WI; seven grandchildren, Serena Kay Williams, Aliviah Giavoni Williams, Aneyas Lee Williams, Leela Williams, Daijah Williams, Makiyah Williams and Shakila Henry. He is also survived by his special cousin, Emmitt Williams Jr, who was more like a brother and numerous extended family, including nieces, nephews and cousins that he loved very much. Lydell was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Lydell Lee Williams Jr. A graduate of the Hannibal High School class of 1972, Lydell was a standout athlete for the Pirates, he excelled particularly on the football field as a running back. He continued his education at Missouri Southern University in Joplin, MO, where he played football for the Lions from 1972 to 1975 and was a 1996 inductee into the Missouri Southern Athletics Hall of Fame. Williams helped Missouri Southern to a 29-12-1 record, highlighted by an unbeaten (12-0) NAIA Division II National Championship campaign as a freshman in 1972. During the semifinals of the playoffs that year, he was voted by the media as the game's outstanding back after rushing 21 times for 78 yards and one touchdown on a rain-soaked Junge Stadium Field in Joplin to help the Lions to a 24-6 win over Doane College. At the time of his induction he still owned the school's career record for highest average gain per carry (6.1) and ranked fifth all-time in rushing with 1,965 yards. In 1976, Lydell signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent. Upon his retirement from football, Lydell returned to Hannibal where he worked as an Administrator for Williams Mark Twain Group Homes. Lydell graduated from Missouri Southern with a degree in Education and previously did some teaching and coaching. An avid sports fan through and through, Lydell's dedication to the Dallas Cowboys was unwavering. Win or lose, he stood by his team with the loyalty of a true Cowboy, his eyes always alight with the excitement of the game. But Lydell's interests spanned beyond the thrill of sports. He enjoyed watching old westerns, "The Rifleman" and "Gunsmoke" were among his favorites. One of Lydell's simplest pleasures was sitting outside with a cold Miller Lite in hand. Above all, Lydell cherished the time spent with his family. The memories created during their trips to the Ozarks were among his most treasured. Lydell will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Lydell was Christian by faith. Memorial contributions may be made to donor's choice.