Edgar Williams, 83, passed Saturday, January 10, 2026 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Phenix City, AL. with Pastor Noble D. Williams, officiant, Eulogist. Burial will follow in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Public viewing is Wednesday, January 14, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, Deacon Edgar Williams, 83, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at home.

Edgar was born on November 2, 1942 in Phenix City, Alabama to the late Eugene Williams, Sr. and Lula Day Williams. He graduated from South Girard High School, Class of 1962 while also working as a barber in Fort Benning, GA.

Edgar was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 where he served for two years. He started basic training in Fort Jackson, SC. He was subsequently sent to Vietnam where he served as a motor pool operator and managed supplies at the Army Air Base in Vung Tau. Edgar was honorably discharged in 1967 and returned to Ft. Benning continuing his work as a barber. Finding a passion for architecture and construction he went to school and obtained a degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College. He subsequently worked as a General Contractor, with his own construction business, where he built residential and commercial buildings throughout Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. He designed and built several businesses, churches, subdivisions and completed various remodels throughout his over 40-year career.

He gave his life to Christ at an early age and was a faithful and devoted member of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Trustee for more than 30 years. He also served on the Building Committee, was a member of Senior Ministry, and played an integral role in building an addition and upgrades throughout the church.

He enjoyed fishing, traveling, entertaining his friends and family with his jokes, listening to music, and serving the community. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papa.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 58 years, Mae Helen Ashford Williams; his five daughters, Chrystla Faye Hodge of Columbus, GA, Dr. Helen-Louise Moore of Kathleen, GA, Dr. Jacqueline (Johnny) Flakes of Columbus, GA, Elisa S. Ingram (Will) of Franklin, TN and Mariel Elynn (Jimmie) Smith of Columbus, GA; two brothers Willie (Dorothy) Williams and George Williams and one sister Hattie Pearl Smith; three brothers-in-law Cornelius Wright, Charles (Ann) Ashford and Nathaniel (Melvina) Ashford; three sisters-in-law Dorothy Lewis, Ollie Ashford and Vanjual Roberson; nine grandchildren, Caitlyn Hodge, Nicole (José) Ruiz, Braya Flakes, Kevin Scott, Jr., William Gregory Moore, Mary-Grace Moore, Christianna Moore, William Henry Ingram, III, and Adrianna Ingram; and two great grandchildren Robyn Hall-Flakes and Raigan Flakes-Britt and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Edgar’s caregivers Maralia Nance, Jessica Dixon, Infini Shaw and Ms. Brooks who helped Edgar and Helen at home, as well as Columbus Hospice. Additionally, the family extends gratitude to Stephanie and Albert of Junkins Transportation who drove Edgar wherever he needed to go. They were all so helpful.