Willie Williams, III, was a devoted husband, loving father, mentor, businessman, and political activist. He was an encourager and the one who had a love for the masses. He was always willing to help lift others up and to share his blessings with others.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, on July 31, 1930, Willie Williams, III, was the son of Irene Pleasants Chambers and Willie Williams, Jr. Willie Williams III, affectionally known as “Bill” was brought to Sharon Baptist Church at the age of two by his grandmother, Mrs. Eliza Jasper Williams. Willie made a decision in his teens to be baptized at Sharon Baptist Church and remained there the remainder of his life. He served his beloved church in the following capacities: ordained as a Deacon on October 27, 1966, member of the Men’s Sunday School Bible Class, Budget Director, Senior Citizens Group, and participated in church activities until his health declined.

Willie was a proud 1947 graduate of Armstrong High School. One of his joyous and committed experiences was serving as chairman of the class reunions for many years. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy, Great Lakes, Illinois, on February 4, 1948. He served for 20 years and achieved the rank of Petty Officer, First Class. Upon retiring from the Navy, Willie continued his educational training at the former Richmond Business College, which gave inspiration to his entrepreneurial pursuits.

Willie was a skilled and caring entrepreneur who was always willing to share his knowledge and know-how with others. He was the founder and chairman of Flamingo, Inc. and co-owner of American World Tours, Inc. He also served on many civic associations in various capacities. Among the associations are Hobson Lodge #23, Astoria Beneficial Club, Crusade for Voters, Military Retirees Club, Inc., Living the Dream, Inc., Richmond Continentals Society, Inc. Board, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and the WTVR-Advisory Council.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Madalyn W. Winn, one brother, Allen Williams, one grandson, Leonidas Brown, Jr. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 42 years, Jean Thompson Williams; three daughters, Katrina W. Flannigan, Wanda W. Harvey (Gary), Constance W. B. Washington, one son, Wayne A. Williams, one step-daughter, Cassandra L. Edwards; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Joseph B. Chambers Jr. (Dorothy), Evelyn C. Ross, Ollie Chambers, Maria W. Ferris, Michael Williams, John Williams (Jamie) and Elisa Williams; sister-in-law, Thelma Amy; and numerous devoted nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Family Visitation and Reflections will be held Tuesday, March 26, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Scott's Funeral Home Chapel.

The funeral will be held at Sharon Baptist Church, 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, on Wednesday, March 27 at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles officiating. Interment Riverview Cemetery, 1401 South Randolph Street, Richmond, VA 23220. The service will be live stream at Sharon Baptist Church Facebook.