James O. Williams

On the morning of May 23, 2013, God called JAMES ODELL WILLIAMS and quietly closed his eyes. This gentle soul was born in Greenville, South Carolina on August 1, 1916. James was baptized at an early age at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Piedmont, South Carolina. The son of Carrie Seawright and Ellis Williams, he attended school in Greenville, South Carolina and lived his younger years there. James Odell Williams married the late Clara Townes on April 1, 1934. From this union one daughter was born, Anne Clara. To better himself and provide a better life for his family, he left them in the care of his mother and moved to Buffalo, New York where he worked in the steel mills. In 1941, when World War II broke out, he worked in the shipyard making ships for the United States Navy. In 1943, he moved to Baltimore, Maryland from Buffalo and reuinted with his family. In Baltimore, he was employed for a while with Bethlehem Steel. He also worked as a Dock Worker on the waterfront in downtown Baltimore. In 1946, he was employed at Pennsylvania Railroad, now known as Amtrak in the mailroom where he stayed there until his retirement. After retirement, he worked at Read’s Drugstore which is now known as Rite-Aid. He stayed at Rite-Aid at the Rotunda many years and received various praises and awards for a job well done. James Odell Williams was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He was a mentor to the entire family where he was affectionately called “Uncle Odell.” He leaves to cherish his legacy and carry on traditions: his daughter, Annie C. Porter; his grandsons, Marvin R. Porter (his wife, Freida) and Eric J. Porter (his wife, Jacqueline); great-grandchildren, Marcus Porter, Devin Guy and Phylicia Porter; great-great-grandson, Devin L. Gray Jr.; two sisters-in-law, Mary E. Reese and Tommy Bobo; two brothers-in-law, Melvin Townes and William Townes; special nephews, William Reese and Steve Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He left these special words for his family: “I love all my children”, “The Lord is with me, I have no fear” and “I will see you all again soon.” — Big Daddy

Tributes

James O. Williams

August 1, 1916 - May 23, 2013