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Obituary For Dr. Hill Williams, Jr.
Funeral services will be Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., Autumn Woods Cemetery, 4000 W. Northside Drive, Jackson, MS 39209.
Visitation will be Friday, August 21, 2020 at Westhaven Funeral Home from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m
Dr. Hill Williams, Jr. June 13, 1944 – August 11, 2020
On June 13, 1944, the midwife, the late Katie Price arrived at 714 Jackson Street in Laurel, Mississippi to deliver the only son of Hill Williams, Sr., and Ruby Davis Williams. The paternal grandson of Job ‘Pye’ Williams and Ida Williams and maternal grandson of Rev. Joseph Davis and Sarah McAdory Davis. Hill Williams, Jr. grew up in the “Free State of Jones County”, Laurel, Mississippi.
His developmental years were spent going to school and working in his father’s businesses, Hill’s Café and Southside Taxi Stand all located at 714 Jackson Street. Elementary school days were at Sandy Gavin and Southside on the southside, middle school at Nora Davis in Kingston and graduated from Oak Park High School in Queensburg in 1964, lettering in football. His college journey started at Alcorn State University for one summer session and the train ride with Alfred Jenkins and the late Wayne Thames to Carbondale, Illinois to attend Southern Illinois University on a football scholarship.
In 1967 he married Millie Inge from Columbus, Mississippi, his college sweetheart and to this union one son was born, Hill Williams, III during the time he was stationed at Folk Polk, Louisiana in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1970. In 1972, he earned the Bachelor of Science degree and in 1974 the Master of Science degree both in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Jackson State University, in Jackson, Mississippi. Three years later in 1977, he went on to the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri to earn the Doctor of Education in Health Physical Education and Recreation with a research focus in Adapted Physical Education. Over a 53-year period, his focus was centered on his relationships with God, family life, his work in higher education, community outreach and his three grandchildren until his untimely passing in 2020. In 2010 his higher education focus allowed him to provide leadership in the development of the Master’s level program in Sports Science in the Health, Physical Education Recreation Department at Jackson State University; with concentrations in Sports Management, Strengthening and Conditioning. He also served as a lecturer for the Jackson State University Urban Executive Ph.D. program. Through the College of Education in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, he served as Chair and Associate Professor for ten years, as well as Intramural Director for over twenty years. Williams’ range of educational experiences has primarily been in higher education at HBCU’s, including serving as Assistant Professor, Department Chair at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. This assignment included providing a workplan blueprint for the development of intramural sports and aquatics at Central State University.
Professional networking was important to Williams. His involvement in organizations gave him access to strong bridge building skills needed for teaching and research. His involvement in these organizations below allowed him to make sure his students had full and strong access to the enterprise of research, internships, apprentice opportunities, graduate school access and job placements once they were beyond the classroom in the tower of higher education. His work included: American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Kappa Delta Pi – Honor Society in Education; Mississippi Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Ethnic Minority Council (AAHPER) Vice President; Ethnic Minority Committee (SSDAAHPERD) Chair; NASSM (National American Society for Sport Management); NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association); NAFA (National Health and Fitness Association). He served on numerous committees during his tenure at Jackson State University and a highlight of that service was his role as Assistant Chief Marshal (1979-2002) and Chief Marshal (2003-2016) Jackson State University Graduation Exercises. After 30 years of service he decided to step down from this role as Chief Marshall after his oldest granddaughter, Jordyn Atiya Williams received her undergraduate degree in 2016 when first lady Michelle Obama was the graduation commencement speaker. He was proud that over three generations in the Williams family received ten college degrees from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Other Professional profiles included: Vice President – United Concerned Citizen, Columbia, Missouri; Board Member – Voluntary Action Center, Columbia, Missouri; Board Member – Multi-County Health Association for Minorities - Laurel, Mississippi; Founder and Sponsor – Laurel-Jacksonian Club; President National Oak Park High School Alumni Association; The Council for Exceptional Children; American School Health Association; American Cancer Society; Mississippi Special Olympic Committee; Mississippi Educational Association; National Education Association; Missouri Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Young Men’s Christian Association; Noon Optimist Club of Jackson (president, vice president, secretary/treasurer); Alabama/Mississippi District Optimist International (lieutenant governor); the American Red Cross – Board Member.
Hi attention to various community outreach programs enhanced his professional career and was centered around a commitment to increasing the number of Blacks attending college with high standards of expectations in academic achievement. His philosophy was “College is for all youth and that all African Americans who hold a high school diploma or GED credits should attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU)”. His passion was to have more African American students earn graduate degrees. Other community involvement included: Vice-Polemarch, Jackson Alumni Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated 1990-1996; Member PTA, Peeples Junior High School; Co-Undergraduate Advisor, Delta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated; President – Noon Optimist Club of Jackson, Mississippi; Member of the Board – Opera South Guild; Membership Chairperson, Jackson Metro Oak Park High School Alumni Association; Community Stew Pot (meals for homeless); Founder and Director, Community Youth Summer Swim Program; Founder and Director, Moving Toward Manhood Youth Program, Piney Woods Country Life School, Piney Woods, Mississippi; Founder and Director, Summer Youth Recreation Program, Calvary Baptist Church, Laurel, Mississippi.
His genetic code for business was planted in him by his parents and he understood the value of land ownership, home ownership, and being involved in some form of retail and service-related activities for the community. The seed was planted in 1939 in Laurel, Mississippi. Williams’ lifetime dreams and desires were that he would leave a legacy of land ownership, whereby providing affordable rental housing to families at the Hill Williams, Sr. Building , 714 Jackson Street, Laurel Mississippi in 2020.
Honors, awards and special recognitions given to Williams have included: Kappa Alpha Psi Polemarch Achievement Award - Jackson, Mississippi; Certificate of Appreciation, Mississippi Special Olympic Committee for Volunteer Work; Outstanding Young Men of America; The Pride in Teaching Award (MAHPHERD) Vicksburg, Mississippi; Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding and Dedicated Service – Laurel – Jacksonian Club; The Mayor’s Award of Merit, Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi; Outstanding Service Award, National Oak Park High School Alumni Association; Outstanding Contributions as Intramural Director, Jackson State University; Personality of the South; Teacher of the Year, Jackson State University Health, Physical Education and Recreation; Teacher of the Year, Jackson State University School of Education; Laurence Clifton Jones Distinguished Service Award, Piney Woods Country Life School; Banquet Speaker Award, Jackson State University, School of Education; I.S. Sanders Board Chairman Award, Young Men Christian Association (YMCA); President’s Award, National Oak Park Alumni Association; Outstanding Contribution Award, Mississippi Alliance Health, Physical Education and Recreation; Girls and Women Sports Day Leadership Award. His spiritual walk allowed him to be a dedicated member for over 40 years with the church family of Greater Pearlie Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Jackson, Mississippi. He served as a deacon, treasurer, and Sunday school teacher. At home, in Laurel, Mississippi with extended family members his fellowship was strong at his mother’s church, Calvary Baptist Church, Laurel, Mississippi. He established the Ruby Davis Williams HBCU Annual Scholarship Award. At his father’s church, at St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church, Laurel Mississippi, the Hill Williams, Sr. HBCU Annual Scholarship Award was created. At Green Hill Baptist Church, Shubuta, Mississippi, he established and was involved in the Hill & Ruby Williams Annual Family Legacy Program. In his lifetime, his pillars of strength were rooted in God and his relationships and bonds with family, neighbors, community, and education. Williams was married fifty two-plus years to Millie Inge Williams; along with her he leaves wonderful memories to be cherished by their son Hill Williams, III; two beautiful granddaughters, Jordyn Atiya, and LilaReece; one grandson Hill Williams, IV of Katy, Texas; three sisters, Marva Williams Appleberry and Ivory Williams Shelby (Robert) of Laurel, Mississippi and Eva Carlotta Williams Clanton of Jackson, Mississippi and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, four in-laws (Linda Inge Brown (Anthony); Evie Inge, Jr.; MacArthur Inge (Daisy) Columbus, MS.; Johnson Inge (Wanda), Vancouver, WA; and many neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by both parents, Hill, Sr., and Ruby Williams; one sister, Emmetta Jean Williams Hardy, his daughter-in-law Christa ‘Muffin” Williams, and his mentor Dr. Melvin Evans.
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceTo Mrs. Ivory Williams-Shelby and the Hill Williams family--We offer our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences in the loss of your Brother, Dr. Hill Williams. May God Bless, Strengthen, and Comfort you during this time. Our prayers are with you. Clarence and Dianne Hooker
My heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Williams family in the loss of Dr. Hill Williams. He will truly be missed by all whose lives he touched. RIP Sir. Nova DeLoach Chapuis
My heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Williams family in the loss of Dr. Hill Williams. He will truly be missed by all whose lives he touched. RIP Sir.
To the William's family may God bless and keep you. Deloris Ross Elridge. Oakparkite class of 63.
To Millie, Trae, and Family ( my other family): Hill was like an Uncle to me and I will always cherish his small talks about education and doing what's right. You all were always there to show your love and compassion for my Mom and me. He was the strength and rock of the family. I will never forget how he would make an example of life's lessons, whenever someone would do something wrong. He was a man of faith, role model, leader, and so much more. He will be missed dearly. Love Zan and Family
Dr. Williams was my personal "HERO". He once told me not to ever leave a meeting no matter how upset I was. That was sound excellent advice as I never thought I would be following his footsteps in the Interim Chair's position. He helped to create the Sport Science unit within the Department of Health, Physical Education Department at Jackson State University. Thank-you for all the memories and lessons!!!!
May God be with you through the days ahead. My mother has always spoken of the loving relationship she and my father have had with you and Hill in both education and Pearlie Grove. Linda Wells Jones (Mrs. P.B. Wells)
To Mrs. Millie and Trey, We send all of our condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. May it comfort you to know that we do acknowledge and we do care. Unfortunately, we can't all be there during this trying time, but just to let you all know, Brother Williams will be sorely missed by all of us from the Southside Community in Laurel Mississippi where it all started from. Many Many Great Memories! With Love and Respect
Dr. Hill Williams, Jr. was my good friend and colleague. He will truly be missed by his JSU Family. Frank L. Giles
Someone so special can never be forgotten. Dr.Williams was truly a kind person and I am so greatful for all the memories. My sincere condolences Eltorry Ficklin
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
To the Williams Family: May God's Grace and Mercy be your pillar in the coming days. Rubye Sullivan and Arcenia McClendon
I first met Dr. Williams when I was in the fourth grade. It was about the time that his family first joined Perlie Grove, where my father was the pastor. My father was also a principal in Pearl and brought Dr. Williams over to speak to an assembly. I was impressed that day and every day since. To Millie and Trey, God bless you. Dr. Williams lived a life worthy of celebration. Rev. Jesse Jackson Jr. Pastor East Sixth Street Christian Church, OKC, OK
Dr. Millie Williams, Hill Williams, III (Trae) and Family. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to you in the transition of Doc. He was a Wonderful person, great boss and friend. He embraced me and my family as family and I am truly grateful for the time we had withm hi. He was always encouraging and fun to work with, even when he got on my last nerves! (lol). He loved his family and people in general. I cannot think of a time that he was not trying to help someone. He will be truly missed. Be strong and many Blessings to you all _Bobby & Georgina Felder
To the family of Dr. Hill Williams II, you have my deepest condolence at this time for your lost. While coming from the same city of Laurel, MS, I think he pushed me a little harder than my other classmates, but I thank him for it. Being a student at Jackson State University under his leadership; accountability and expectations is what he had for every student that he would guide throughout the HYPER Department. He would always have some encouraging words for every student that he would encounter. He wanted to see every student achieve their education goal and be of services to the community. I am going to miss those days in his office talking about life in general and those lesson I have learn for him. (in his unique voice "Man where have you been"). We share spiritual belief as member of Greater Pearlie Grove Baptist Church. Well done, good and faithful servant "Rest in Heaven". My Good Brother, you have reached those Golden Shores.
One of my closest friends who took me under his wings when I first joined Pearlie Grove. A Diehard JSU Tigers fan ,as I am, but most of all a dear friend whom I considered more as a brother. May God strengthen the family and comfort you all with His Perfect Peace during this time.
To Mrs Williams Trae and family my deepest Condolences for you all at this time for your lost and it was all our lost because if you knew Doc u knew he brought love and friendship to everyone he met and always had a Positive word and message for you at all times. Rest well Doc we all Love and Miss U Very Much!!!!!
Gosh, so many fond memories. I was a student at JSU and I had work-study in the HYPER Department under Doc. He was always encouraging to me because at that time I was going through my divorce. He constantly and consistently stretched me to push through to reach my goal. He was always warm and welcoming. He even gave concern about my son's well-being. I'll never forget his presence in that vital time of my life. And whenever I would see him, his approach was always the same. I will truly miss him. My prayers are with you Mrs. Williams, Trae and family. Tesha Hill, JSU HYPER Class of 2008
To my family... I will always remember the last phone conversation Uncle Hill and I had where he talked for over 45 min! That had never happened...LOL! I'm also so thankful the Lord put in on my heart to come home and spend some time with him just days before he received his wings. I held his hand, prayed and praised, and told him I will see him again...and I will! I could see it in his eyes that he was proud of me and the husband I had chosen that has many qualities like him. I will miss him dearly. To God be the Glory!
To Trey, Mrs. Williams and Family
Form: Patrick Busby and family. I can't say how much Doc Williams meant to all of us as young African American Men. He always questioned us about our path in life, health, and education. Popcorn was always available. Words of wisdom and ensuring we were staying on the right path. Doc was a father to all of us. I will always have a piece of Doc Williams with me. Thank you Trey for sharing your father. We all love Doc Williams.
Hello Millie and Family of Dr. Hill Williams Jr., and the classmates of 1964 at Oak Park High School.
I've known Hill since elementary school at Sandy Gavin elementary, Nora Davis elementary and Oak Park High School. As long as I can remember their entrepreneurial family owned several profit centers: a Cafe, a taxi service, a laundromat and who knows what else.
He was always a straight shooter, an honest classmate (as far as I knew), playing football and going to Southern Illinois University on a football scholarship. He never let that "go to his head" and went on to earn a doctorate along the way. Fast forward to 1988 when I was on a business trip to Jackson and arranged to go to lunch with Hill.
Here's where he made a huge deposit to his heavily account and was not trying to do so at all! I'm so glad I jogged his memory the last time I saw him at the Oak Park High School reunion. He didn't remember it at all... Here's what happened: as we were reminiscing and sharing about our lives, somewhere in the conversation he talked about his dad being a tither. Neither one of us could recall in 2016 how this came up in the conversation, but he mentioned how his father tithed and he himself tithe and said " Leroy, I'll be honest, I'm actually afraid not to tithe"... I'm not sure what God would do to me ... So I don't count that money as mine!"
I said here's a man that comes from a family of successful entrepreneurship and they tithe religiously. I was giving "generously" in my church, but was not tithing. The next Sunday the pastor appealed for the tithe, I nervously wrote the check and dropped it in the offering and I have not stopped to this day! Regardless of how large or small, it doesn't belong to me and oh by the way... My wife and I had been looking to buy some profitable real estate property at the time. That same Sunday, our real estate agent called and said "I want to show you a piece that you can turn into a real money maker... Meet me at 4 p.m. at this address.." Sure enough, this was quite a deal we couldn't turn down! And such a deal it was even until we sold it... And turning an entire Street around from being ruled by drunks and drug dealers. It all rolls up to Hill's heavenly account of witnessing the Lord Jesus without even trying! All the best to you and family as the Lord bless you and keep you ...and give you peace. LeRoy Sampson Oak Park High School, class of 1964
To Millie Tray and family, Hill was the rock for many. He was the one that gave firm response to whatever was presented. We will always remember him as a great leader and when necessary a good follower. Oak Park, Laurel, JSU and Jackson Communities will surely miss his smile, his quick wit and wisdom. God Bless , with love, Jerry & Connie Shanks Knight.
To Millie and the William's family, Hill (Dr. Williams) as we called him, will certainly be missed. Our class (64) will forever remember all the good times and great advise he was always willing to share.Im deeply sorry for your loss but he is with the Lord and at rest. Marilyn Miller
My heartfelt condolences to the Williams family. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Williams as he developed the graduate program in Sports Management at JSU. He was diligent in seeing it become successful and produce its first graduates. These memories of Hill Williams are a testament to his character and to his commitment to education and the success of students. May God continue to bless, keep and comfort you. - Dr. Dianne D. Everett, Retired
To Millie, Tray and the Family; Hill was a great and special to all who knew him especially to us Oak Parkites and Laurel community, JSU and everyone he touched.....He was the Rock that held many steady with his ability to listen and offer sound, firm advise or comments. We will miss his smile, his compassion and his astute presence. God Bless you all -We love you all dearly and our prayers are with you.
To Millie, Tray and family. Hill was a great man to so many. My greatest memory is his strength and ability to listen to others and offer sound and firm response, his compassion for others was special as he believed all people are equal and important. We will surely miss his smile and his astute presence. We love you all dearly, Jerry and Connie Shanks Knight. God Bles you all. Our prayers are with you.
To the family of Dr.Hill Williams ,God,Jesus and the Holy Spirit will embrace and comfort you. Dr.Williams made a lasting and positive impact in the lives of many students. Hold on to his memories and let God have his way. We pray that your hearts shall be lifted with the heaven rings of faith,peace and love. Ellis Hays JSU Class of 1976 and family.
To Millie and the Williams Family I want to express my sincere sympathy of your loss. Hill Williams,Jr. was a kind and spirit filled man and will be truly missed.....Miss Roy Faye Bridgeman, member of Greater Pearlie Grove M.B.Church, Jackson, MS....Brother Williams "REST-IN-PEACE"
Hill's Oak Park Family mourns with his family during this time of grieving. Dr. Williams was a servant in his faith and in the Jackson and Laurel communities. He exemplified/modeled scholarship, manhood, meekness and courage too. Jerald L. Ulmer, Sr Board Chair, National Oak Park High School Alumni Association
Dr. Williams was a truly great person, teacher, boss and friend. He touched in a positive way so many lives. He will truly be missed. Allan Simmons
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
