RACINE – Rev. Ralph W. Williams, 89 years old, was born into eternal life on June 2, 2015; passing away at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital, Racine, WI.
Rev. Williams was born in Waukennah, Fl. on November 8, 1926 to the late Rev. Caesar and Eva (nee: Gorman) Williams.
Rev. Ralph W. Williams was a devoted husband of 68 years to Mary Elizabeth (nee: Crumbie) Williams. He was an amazing, awesome and devoted father of four girls, Jacquelyn, Carolyn, Deborah and Sandra; a loving grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of twelve. He was also a caring uncle to a host of nieces and nephews of whom they fondly called “Uncle Ralph”. Rev. Williams adopted so many young men and women within the community of whom he loved as his own.
He attended Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida where he studied electrical engineering. Reverend Williams served as a chaplain in World War II for 2 ½ years. He was an electrician and an entrepreneur; owning numerous businesses and real estate properties throughout his life. Guided by his faith, he endeavored to be a positive presence in both his Florida and Racine communities.
Rev. Williams served as a Sunday school teacher, lay leader, and local minister at Wayman African Methodist Episcopal Church for 28 years before accepting his pastoral calling to Gregg Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. For 21 one years he served as a beloved pastor to a loving congregation before retiring in 2004.
Surviving are his wife Mary E. Williams; his daughters Jacquelyn Strozierbey of Milwaukee, WI, Carolyn Williams of San Leandro, CA, Sandra (Phillip) Hill, Deborah Lloyd both of Racine, WI; his 9 grandchildren and 8 of his 9 great grandchildren and his last living and only sister, Hattie Mae Lewis of Miami, Fl. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Willie Williams, Mack Williams, and George Williams and also great-grandson Jedidiah Lloyd.
Family and friends are invited to meet at Searching Together Baptist Church (825 21st Street Racine, WI 53403) for the celebration of his legacy and home-going on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a visitation in the church on Thursday from 10-11 a.m. His interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park with military honors.
Cherel Goodwin says
Dear Papa,
I will be forever grateful for all that you taught me. You taught me so much! You were a man of infinite wisdom and that will be my best memory of you. I love you and I miss you!
Your “adopted” Granddaughter,
Cherel
Lucille M. Baskin says
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Mary Williams and the entire Williams family. I am so honored to have been a part of Rev. Williams life and ministry. Will miss him sorely. He was a great pastor and friend!
Veronica Magee Jordan says
This blessed man of God was a inspiration and blessing to me and I thank God for giving me the privilege to know him and his family. Take your rest.
Diane Anthony Johnson says
So sorry for the loss of your loved one you all are in our prayers. The Johnson family.Anthony,Diane and Miracle
SK N MARILYN PEARSON says
Rev Williams was a GOD fearing man no matter i saw him he always had a pleasant word for me how he havd gospel singing a Gregg Chapel take your rest.
Judy Collins says
Condolences to Mr. Williams’ family. He was a man that truly loved his family and community. He never wavered re: his faith and his love for humanity. He was strong, loving, positive and always focused. You will be missed.