
On Monday, October 21, 2024, God, in His infinite wisdom and Glory summoned, Ret. First, Sgt. Eugene Williams Jr. from his earthly home to His Heavenly eternal home to be seated at His feet. We, the family, bow in humble submission to God, thanking Him for a life that was so genuine and well-lived. Ret. First, Sgt. Eugene Williams Jr. was the husband of Carol Ann Sims Williams. He was affectionately called “Gene, Daddy, PaPa, Pops, Top Cop, and Hammer” by family and friends. These names reflected his roles as a loyal father, grandfather, friend, and law enforcement officer and his unique personality. He was born November 26, 1945, in Sumter County, the son of the late Eugene and Florine Green Williams Sr. A native of Sumter, Eugene graduated from Lincoln High School and, upon graduation, attended Morris College. While attending, he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. He fought in the Vietnam War as his battalion's first African-American tank driver, a role that required immense courage and skill. After a tour of duty in Vietnam, he returned to his hometown of Sumter. As a young man, Eugene wanted more out of life for himself and his family. Law enforcement, however, was not his first endeavor after the military. Eugene's career began at Butler Shoe Store in downtown Sumter, where he worked diligently and rose through the ranks. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, and he was soon recognized as a valuable asset to the company. The NAACP helped him become one of the first black salespeople for the shoe company, and he was promoted to store manager in Newport News, VA. From there he became the first black shoe merchandiser and later was promoted to the first black assistant shoe buyer in the home office. It wasn't long before he became the first black district director with twelve stores. Eugene still had dreams that he wanted to pursue in life, so he returned to Sumter to fulfill those dreams…1989 – Hired as a correctional officer for Wateree Department of Corrections; 1990 – Joined Sumter’s Police Department as a Law Enforcement Officer; 1991 – Promoted to Master Patrol Officer with Traffic Division (affectionately called ‘Hammer’ by the public because of his distinct Gazelle glasses, but gained respect from the public because he showed respect); 1996 – Promoted to Detective Division (Named Employee of the Year for outstanding work, solving numerous burglaries, and a significant role in solving a homicide case); 1996 – Promoted to Lieutenant (still fondly known as ‘Loo - ee’ by multiple colleagues); American Legion ‘Officer of the Year’; (2000), State Senate ‘Officer of the Year”, Palmetto State ‘Officer of the Year’American Legion ‘Officer of the Year’ (2001) and many, many, more. Eugene was a dedicated, loyal, God-fearing Deacon of Joshua Baptist Church in Dalzell, SC. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Carol Williams; three children, Ursula (Joseph), Ronald (Sybrena), and Donald (Kimberly), two granddaughters raised in the home, Carmarlita (Mandrel) and Emani; grandchildren, Quintavious (Sonnika), Khadijah, Donnasia, Dylan, Ronald, Donald, D’Asia, DaKayla, Donald Jr.; Siblings, Leroy (Loretta) Williams, Dorothy (Barney) Gadson, Aaron Williams, and a host of other relatives and friends. Services will be held 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, October 29, 2024 Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, with the Rev. Eugene Dennis, Pastor, Officiating. Burial will follow in the Joshua Baptist Church Yard Cemetery. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 955 Unity Court, Sumter.
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