Submitted by Dr. Yvette M. Giles
A proud member of Dillard High School’s Class of 1955, Adolphus Wood Williams passed peacefully at his home on Friday, September 14. He recently celebrated his 83rd birthday on September 8 with family and friends.
Adolphus, who moved to Valdosta, Georgia, in 2006, was one of two sons born to the late Willis Williams and Leona Wood Williams Newton, both Fort Lauderdale pioneers. His mother’s parents were founding officers of Mount Olive Baptist Church (renamed New Mount Olive Baptist Church in 1923).
Adolphus retired in 2000 after 29 years of meritorious service with the United States Postal Service. Previously, he worked for three years at Crown Chemical, five years at the Sun-Sentinel (part time) and 14 years for the Edco Brush Manufacturing Company. Adolphus was an avid golfer with a passion for sports, especially high school basketball. At 6’3” tall, he was a star basketball player at Dillard High School, making his team’s first “slam dunk” during a game. In later years, he enjoyed visiting Slim’s Fishing Camp in Clewiston with his Dillard classmates, many of whom were neighborhood friends, including the late Sonny Porter and Herbert Burrows.
Adolphus is survived by his loving wife, Willie, who served as nurse for her husband as his health declined, and five beloved children: Andrea, Andy (Adolphus, Jr.), Nathan, Alex and Michelle, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
A wake is scheduled for Tues-day, September 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1051 Howell Road, Valdosta, Ga., 31601.
All other services will be held in Fort Lauderdale at the Worship Center of the Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home, 1305 N.W. Sixth St., including a viewing on Thursday, September 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. and funeral service on Friday, September 28, at 11 a.m. Interment – Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3201 N.W. 19th Street. Repast following services – Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 N.W. Sixth Street.
