Obbie Williams

Obituary For Obbie Williams

Mr. Obbie Lee Williams embarked on his journey to eternal rest on June 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at Doctors Hospital of Augusta. Despite the sorrow of his passing, his legacy of love and the cherished memories he leaves behind will continue to inspire hope and positivity in the lives of those who knew him.
His immediate and extended family looked to him as a man to be admired and emulated. His presence was strong and rigid, yet, loving. He was the kind of man whose presence demanded respect without any words being spoken.
The life of Mr. Obbie Lee Williams was a testament to the power of hope and the human spirit. He was born on July 15, 1940, in Danville, Georgia to the late Herman Lee Williams and Callie Peck Williams. He faced life’s challenges with unwavering optimism and his legacy will continue to inspire us all to embrace each day with purpose, passion and joy. As he entered into eternal rest, his light did not fade, but instead it shines brighter guiding us all toward a brighter future.
Mr. Williams was baptized at Mt. Cilla Springs Baptist Church in his early years and following his graduation at age 17, he enlisted in the US Army, launching a military career that would take him to various parts of the world on different tours.
His numerous journeys led him to many destinations including:
1957 – 1959 Fort Campbell, KY – 101st Airborne Division
1959 – 1961 West Germany – 11th Armored Calvary
1961 – 1962 Fort Benning, GA - 2D Infantry Division
1962 – 1963 South Korea – 7th Infantry Division
1963 – 1967 Fort Gordon, GA – 3D Training Regiment Infantry
1967 – 1968 Vietnam, 25th Infantry Division
1968 – 1970 Fort Gordon, GA – US Army Southeastern Signal School
1970 – 1971 Vietnam America Division
1971 – 1973 Fort Gordon, GA – US Army Southeastern Signal School
1973 – 1976 Fort Polk, GA - US Army Training Center Infantry
1976 – 1977 Berlin, Germany – 6th Infantry Division

Obbie volunteered for a tour in Korea in 1962. It was during that time that he realized he wanted to spend a lifetime with one special woman. He entered into a sacred union with Dommie Jean Manson on September 7, 1963, which was a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a lifetime of love, commitment and family. Their union lasted over 60 years and was blessed with two children, Donna Williams and Debbie Williams Walker who brought them much joy and pride.
Everyone fondly remembers at their 50th Wedding Anniversary and Vow Renewal when asked the secret of the longevity of his marriage, hardcore Obbie Williams said: “l always have the last word in any dispute with my wife.” He went on to say that those last words were always, “Yes Dear.” His quote was published in Jet Magazine.
After serving in the US Army for over 20 meritorious years, Obbie retired in 1977 as a Master Sergeant. During his military career Obbie received several decorations, medals and commendations. Some of which were the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/1 silver and 2 Bronze Service Stars (Bronze Star Medal w/2d OLC); Vietnam Campaign Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal (5th Award); Combat Infantry’s Badge; Expert Infantry’s Badge; and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm. Obbie was a career soldier and endured two battles in war in which he fought bravely and with much honor. Obbie was part of the TET Offensive, a major escalation and one of the largest military campaigns of the Vietnam War.
After retirement from the US Army, he became a highly respected member of Greater Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. His next endeavor was to enroll at Phillips College in Augusta, GA where he earned his Associate Degree in Business Administration. He graduated with Summa Cum Laude Honors and as the Valedictorian of his class. He would go on to work at Augusta Correctional Medical Institute and the Human Resources Department at The Medical College of Georgia. His final place of employment was at DSM Chemical Plant as a Security Officer where he retired after 20 years of dedicated service. Obbie would embark on his life as a retired person in 2007.
During his retirement he enjoyed fishing, bowling, traveling and visiting family. However, his favorite pastime was spending hours working on his well-manicured lawn with lush plants and grass that rivaled some of the best golf courses.
His most precious memories involved being an active grandfather in the lives of his two grandchildren, his namesake Douglas Obbie and Dominique Jeanette. When Obbie became ill he once remarked to someone, “I am still kicking, but not as high.” Upon hearing this, his grandson remarked, “That’s okay Granddaddy, I will kick for you.”
Obbie was a true family man and valued family above all else. He was the true Patriarch of the entire Williams Clan and everyone knew Obbie had the final word. His decisions were never questioned and his opinion was the only one that mattered. If he had a family meeting it was only to assign roles, because he had pre-determined what everyone’s role would be. The family fondly called him, “Big Chicken.” He was highly loved and respected by all. Obbie was never a follower, he was always the leader and always on time. Regardless of the occasion or event, he would always be on time and the first to arrive. His favorite motto was: If you arrive on time, you are late. He was an avid participant in the Peck Family Reunion which consisted of over 300 beloved family members. His presence as a man of strength, character and love will be truly missed.
Those left to cherish his fond memories include his wife, Dommie Williams of the home; two daughters, Donna Williams of Hephzibah, GA and Debbie Williams Walker of Savannah, GA; two grandchildren, Douglas Obbie Walker of Charlotte, NC and Dominique Jeanette Walker of Lithia Springs, GA; four brothers, Ephraim (Mary) Williams of Danville, GA, Danny (Betty) Williams of Macon, GA, Nelson Williams of Jeffersonville, GA and Herbert (Marie) Williams of Jeffersonville, GA; one sister, Rosetta Woodruff of Lizella, GA; two sisters-in-law, Bertha Carswell of Miami, FL and Edie Maye Manson of Miami, FL; two brothers-in-law, Calmon Manson of Miami, FL and Leroy Strange of Toomsboro, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Special family and friends include Douglas Jackson, Christopher Jerome Walker, Douglas L. Walker, Leslee Muir, Courtney Scott, Caleb Scott and Kathleen Thompkins.

The Life and Legacy of Obbie Williams will be Celebrated 11:00 am, Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Greater Mt. Cannan Baptist Church, 2573 Wheeler Road. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park, with Military Honors. Public viewing Friday, the 14th, from 3 pm to 6 pm, at Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home, 3618 Peach Orchard Road. (706) 790-8858