Obituary
Benjamin Williams Jr.
"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living"
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Benjamin Williams Jr.
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May 30,1932- January 15, 2021
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Burlington, New Jersey - 1SGT (Retired) Benjamin Williams Jr. transitioned peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on late Friday afternoon, January 15, 2021. He was 88 years of age.
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Born in Eunice, Louisiana, Ben was the fourth of seven children from the union of the late Benjamin and Lessie Dupre Williams. He was baptized at an early age at St. Mathilda Church in Eunice, Louisiana. He was brought up Catholic and was an avid basketball player and played on his high school team. A devoted family man he entered into the military at an early age to send money back home. He had a fierce love for his family and everyone knew that although he was intense about taking care of business his real role was the protector of all of his family. He was always known to be a leader and respected by everyone he encountered. He met Hattie, the love of his life, and married in 1960. They weathered the storms of the military married life with tenacity and love. Some say they were so close that they became affectionately referred to as “the twins” in their golden years.
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Entering the United States Army in 1950, he served in the 24th Infantry Division Airborne and completed multiple tours of duty stateside and abroad. After being awarded the Silver Star, Ben was received by his hometown of Eunice Louisiana with an appreciation parade June 13, 1967. It was there he was presented with the key to the city. He served over 20 years in the Army and completed two tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam respectively. His military awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal PUC-KOREA , UNSM, KSM, VSM, COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE 1st & 2d AWD, VN RANGER BADGE, O/S BARS, AIR MEDAL, DSIB, BSM.
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Following his military service, Ben worked as a District Manager at McDonalds before owning his own restaurant for a number of years. He was a devoted member of a number of military organizations over the years: Disabled American Veteran, Veterans of Foreign War, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, Purple Heart Organization, American Legion, N.E.C. 24th Infantry Regiment Association, and the RAKKASAN 187th Airborne Regiment. Although he was a member of many organizations he cherished his role as a support system to Veterans and their families.
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Surviving his departure with cherished memories are his wife of almost 60 years Hattie M Williams and his children: Benjamin (Latunja) Williams III, Tracy Williams, Sonja (Lee) Hayes, and Sharon Williams-Gardner. In addition to these children he raised his niece Fannie Lee, and grandchildren Christian Whittaker, Siani Smith and Julian Benjamin Williams (JB). He also leaves devoted grandchildren: Demetrius Williams, Anthony Defelice, Benjamin Williams V, Chris Hayes, Nia Hayes, Shemrica Duffy, Regina Williams, Ariadna Williams, Benjamin Williams Fruto, and Kayla Gardner. Additionally there are 17 great grandchildren who will miss him, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, daughter in law Kathyrn Williams, devoted nephew David Isaac and best friend Jim Patterson. Additionally, he leaves brothers in law: Walter (Clara) Ginyard, Isaac (Jean) Ginyard, Thomas Ginyard and sisters-in-law: Ruby Williams, Odessa Williams, Martha Williams, and Doris Ginyard. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters and his son Curtis Williams.
We know this isn’t goodbye but more of a see you later. So farewell for now our Hero.
The Homegoing Celebration for 1SGT (Retired) Benjamin Williams Jr. will be on Monday January 25, 2021 at 11:00 am at Union Baptist.
Due to current restrictions, attendance to the service is restricted and will be by invitation only.
Visitation will be held at Union Baptist Church, 346 W. Burlington St. Bordentown NJ on Monday, January 25, 2021 from 10:00-11:00am
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