Ulysses Ernest Williams

Obituary For Ulysses Ernest Williams

On Thursday, November 4, 2022, Mr. Ulysses “Bill” Williams of Henrico County, Virginia peacefully transitioned to Heaven at the age of 102. He has left a wonderful legacy. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama on October 23, 1920, to the late Johnson Williams and the late Emma Reeda Williams. Bill spent his childhood in Montgomery, Alabama. He was a 1939 honors graduate of the Alabama State Teachers’ College High School where he was the president of the senior class, a member of the Hi-Y (High School YMCA) organization, the Drama Club, and a member of the baseball team. Bill enlisted in the United States Army after graduating high school to serve his country and to later use the GI educational benefits to attend college. He served in three theaters of war during World War II – the South Pacific, North Africa, and Europe. He attained the rank of Warrant Officer. After his discharge from the military, he came to Washington, D.C. where he met and married Gladys LaVerne “Verne” Peterson. They were the parents of three children – Ulysses “Butch”, Reeda, and Carole. Bill graduated from Howard University the School of Law in 1954. He later moved to Richmond where he resided for more than sixty years. He retired from employment with the city of Richmond in 2001. Bill lived a very rich and interesting life. He was a staunch civil rights activist. Bill was an avid reader. He also enjoyed attending church, cultural events, and lectures. He loved participating in intellectual discussions and stimulating debates. Thus, his friends in Richmond called him “preacher.” He stressed the importance of education and instilled that value in his children. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his former wife, Gladys LaVerne Williams; his son, Ulysses (Butch) E. Williams, Jr. and his younger daughter, Carole A. Justice; his brother, Clarence Williams; and a devoted friend, Ophelia Brady. Bill is survived by his devoted daughter, Reeda L. Butler; a loving granddaughter, Renay L. Butler; his great-granddaughter, Raquel Shortt; a cousin, Alvin Williams; three special family friends, Marybelle Trimble of Chicago, Theresa Bryant-Walker of Richmond, and Charlotte Banks of Richmond; and his caregivers at Divine Favor Residential Services – Michael Allen, Sabrina Epps, and Robert Nichols. A graveside service and burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.