William Didley, Jr

Obituary For William Didley, Jr

Mr. William Didley, Jr
January 21, 2026

William “Bill” Didley, Jr. was born on July 10, 1939, in Cordele, Georgia, and peacefully entered eternal rest on January 21, 2026, at home, surrounded by family. His life was marked by courage, faith, service, and a steadfast commitment to education and justice.

Born and raised in Cordele, Bill completed his early education at Holsey-Cobb Institute, earning his high school diploma. He was reared in the Christian faith at Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Cordele, Georgia, where his spiritual foundation was first formed. During his formative years, he was deeply influenced and mentored by the Moreland Family, the Cobb-Cutts Family, the Cherry & Grace Family, and by his respected teacher, Mr. Highwarden Just, whose guidance helped shape his character, discipline, and lifelong commitment to service.

Bill continued his academic journey at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1963. While a student, he emerged as a courageous leader during the Civil Rights Movement as a founding member of the Paine College Steering Committee, a student-led organization whose disciplined, nonviolent activism played a pivotal role in the integration of the City of Augusta.

During Masters Weekend in 1960, the Steering Committee organized a peaceful sit-in at the H. L. Green’s lunch counter. When threats of violence arose from nearby aggressors, Bill selflessly positioned himself between the hostile group and fellow students as they exited the store. In doing so, he was stabbed while protecting others. He later recovered and, undeterred, continued the work of justice. The Steering Committee’s efforts ultimately contributed to the desegregation of lunch counters throughout Augusta, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s history.

Bill’s devotion to Paine College extended well beyond his student years. He faithfully served the institution in multiple capacities, including Assistant Dean of Students, Resident Advisor (RA), and Manager of the Paine College Bookstore, Snack Bar, and Post Office. Through each role, he demonstrated deep care for students and a commitment to strengthening campus life. His service reflected the very values Paine College upholds - courage, service, leadership, academic excellence, and justice.

He later earned a Master of Education from South Carolina State College in 1973 and an Education Specialist degree from Georgia Southern College in 1988. In addition to his work in secondary education, Bill served as an Adjunct Professor in the Counseling Department at Georgia Southern College, where he mentored future counselors and educators, sharing his professional insight and lived wisdom.

Following his service at Paine College, Bill dedicated his professional life to public education within the Richmond County School System. His distinguished career included roles as Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor at Sego Middle School, Senior Guidance Counselor and Registrar at Lucy C. Laney High School, and Guidance Counselor at Hephzibah Middle School. He also became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), extending his impact beyond the classroom to the emotional, academic, and personal well-being of students and families. Known for his calm demeanor, wisdom, and genuine care for young people, Bill shaped countless lives through mentorship and guidance.

Bill was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Chi Lambda Chapter (Augusta, Georgia), and was honored with inclusion in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and many other awards and recognitions.

Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents, Oscar and Mattie Hendley Williams, and Florence Didley; his parents, Ossie Mae Hendley Jackson Didley and William Didley, Sr.; his brothers Louis Didley (Louise) and Robert C. Jackson; and his sisters Mary Didley-McNezer, Yvonne Didley Williams-Miller, and Barbara Hunter. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Ida Mae Didley.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Sturghill Didley of Augusta, Georgia; his children, Marcus Yieldd of McDonough, Georgia, and Amarylis Didley West (Curtis) of McDonough, Georgia; and his cherished grandchildren, Cymone Alexandria West, Lauryn Elizabeth West, and Curtis L. West, III.

He is also survived by his brothers Cecil Hendley (Erkie) of Fort Myers, Florida; Alvin Jackson of Port Charlotte, Florida; and Willard Gregory Didley (Michelle) of Detroit, Michigan and *Dene Didley Douglas of Detroit, Michigan; and his sisters Beatrice Thompson (*Lloyd) of Detroit, Michigan; Brenda Averett of Ypsilanti, Michigan; Debra Saxon of Detroit, Michigan; Deloris Didley of Fort Myers, Florida; and Althamese Simpson (Charles) of Tampa, Florida. He is further survived by his first cousins Tony Alexander (Leola) of Fort Myers, Florida, and Genese Alexander (David) of Cordele, Georgia, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends.

William “Bill” Didley, Jr.’s life stands as a testament to quiet courage, faithful service, and transformative leadership. His legacy lives on in the doors he helped open, the students he guided, the family he loved, and the community he helped shape.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the mortuary. Graveside services will be conducted Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 12:00noon at Walker Memorial Park, 611 Laney Walker Boulevard, with Reverend Dr. Curtis L. West, Jr., eulogist. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Paine College National Alumni Association, PO Box 871051, Stone Mountain, GA 30087.

W.H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901 (706)722-6401

Public visitation:

W.H. Mays Mortuary

Tuesday, January 27, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

1221 James Brown Boulevard
Augusta, GA 30901

Graveside service:

Walker Memorial Park

Wednesday, January 28, 2026
12:00 PM

611 Laney Walker Boulevard
Augusta, GA 30901

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