Mr. Bennie L. Williams, Sr. (Papa)
August 17, 1941 – January 2, 2018

A Time to Be Born
Bennie Lee Williams was born August 17, 1941 in Tallassee, Alabama, to the late Juanita Money and late LW Williams.

A Time to Grow
Bennie attended R. Moton High School in Tallassee, Alabama, where he graduated in the top 5% of his class. He continued his education by later attending Tuskegee University completing his studies in Agronomy in 1964. Bennie then relocated to
Atlanta where he continued his career by becoming a licensed electrician. Bennie was one of the first blacks to receive his electrical license in Atlanta. He became an
electrical contractor owning Williams Electrical Company in Atlanta, Georgia. Later, he was employed at the United States Postal Service. Bennie worked at the US Postal Service for thirty years. While at the US Postal Service he performed many big projects and received numerous awards for his work. Bennie retired from the Postal Service as an electrician in 2003. Prior to his retirement, Bennie worked diligently as an assistant director in the maintenance division of the Atlanta Postal Worker’s Union.

A Time to Live
Bennie met the love of his life, Registered Nurse, Irma Rutledge in 1968. After their marriage in 1970, their union produced three lovely children: Benise, Benita, and Bennie Jr., all named after their adoring father, Bennie Sr.
Bennie was also a thirty-two degree Mason (inactive at his demise) and a Yarab Temple member (also inactive at his demise).
In 1973, Bennie and Irma started the Toddler House Daycare Center in Atlanta, Georgia, because they believed in the necessity for great childcare, being parents of their own. They stressed early childhood development. Their child patrons loved both of them, often praying with them and often referring to each of them as “mom and dad”.
Bennie was also an avid fisherman, gardener, and a staunch tournament Chess and Checkers player.

Spiritual Life
Bennie and Irma became members of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Bennie strongly encouraged his own children to be active members of Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Bennie was also a member of the Board of Trustees. Later in his retired life, he and Irma relocated to Griffin, Georgia, where they fellowshipped at the Eight Street Baptist Church. At Eighth Street, Bennie also served on the Board of Trustees. Yet, Bennie’s declining health caused him not to physical be able to attend church services as he so wished.

A Time to Pass
Our precious husband, father, grandfather, and friend received his heavenly wings on January 2, 2018 when he went to be with the Lord, our savior Jesus Christ, in one peaceful moment. He was preceded in death by his mother – Juanita Money, and his father – LW Williams, brothers – Frederick Williams and LW Williams, Jr.
His legacy will be forever cherished by his loving and devoted wife of almost 48 years – Irma Williams – and his children - Ms. Jolanda Williams, Dr. Benise Williams, Dr. Benita Akhter, and retired Air Force Tech Sgt Bennie L. Williams, Jr. and his wife Tamara Williams. His surviving grandchildren are Karmen Williams, Nabilah Akhtar, Olivia Williams, Elijah Williams. His surviving siblings are Mr. and Mrs. Clemmie Williams (Sylvia), Mr. Jeffrey Williams, Mr. Edgar Williams, Mr. Ricky Williams, Mr. Alvin Williams and Ms. Deborah Clay. His surviving in-laws include Mr. and Mrs. James Hines (Mary) and Mrs. Martha Johnson. His surviving cousins include Ms. Ruth Crystabal, Ms. Miriam Bartley, Mr and Mrs. FD Scroggins (Lula), Ms. Joann Scroggins Banks, Mr. Nemiah Scroggins. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Bennie L. Williams, Sr. will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home. Reverend Alfred Jester will officiate. Interment will follow in Westwood Gardens.

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