Harold Lee Williams

     Mr. Harold Lee Williams, 80, affectionately called "Coach", slipped quietly away from us in the wee hours of Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Hospice of Laurens County.

     He was a native of Laurens County, South Carolina, and the youngest of four children born to the late John D. and Annie Williams. He was preceded in death by his siblings Willie James Williams and Annie Lee Brown.  His brother, John D. Williams currently resides in Anderson, South Carolina with his wife, Helen. His sister, Clara S. Young currently resides in Clinton, South Carolina.  He grew up under the guidance of the late Douglas and Ida Mae Blakely.

    He was a graduate of Bell Street High School, earning a football scholarship to Allen University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree.  He earned his Masters Degree from South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, South Carolina, in Guidance and Education.  He also received administration certifications through Clemson and the University of South Carolina.

    Mr. Williams is a 1996 retiree from School District #56.  He taught in the school districts of Clover and Anderson and then served in the United States Army for two years.  Harold returned home to Clinton, South Carolina, in 1964 to work at Bell Street High School as a teacher and coach.  Following school consolidation, he was employed at Clinton High School for the remainder of his career.  He worked as a mathematics and science teacher, guidance counselor, football offensive/defensive line coach and defensive coordinator, head JV and Varsity basketball coach, and the coordinator of the JTPA Summer Challenge Program for the district.  Devoted to the cause of helping young people and a strong supporter of education.  Mr. Williams served as a Laurens County representative on the Piedmont Technical College Area Commission for twenty years.  He helped establish and served as vice president of "Tough Love," a local program designed to aid black students and increase parental involvement in the schools.  He also sponsored Male Roundups bringing together young males with mentors.  He continued to advocate for youth as a tutor and mentor.

     Mr. Williams served the local church as Steward, Trustee, Sunday School teacher, member of the Sons of Allen, Lay Organization President, Greenville District President and Piedmont Conference 2nd Vice President.  A member of Friendship African Methodist Episcopal Church, he served as Director of Lay Activities, Piedmont Conference.  He was an active member of the Retired Teacher' Association, Life Member of the NAACP and a member of the Rose of Bethlehem Lodge #443.

     Mr. Williams received many honors for recognition of his untiring work in the field of education.  One such award is the Piedmont Technical College Presidential Medallion presented for extraordinary service as a community leader.  He was also inducted into the Allen University Hall of Fame in 2014 for his prowess on the football field.

     Mr. Williams married Ernestine Williams on June 19, 1964.  They recently celebrated 53 years of marriage and were blessed with three children, Kimberly Williams Carter, Monet Mitchell married to David, and Harold Williams married to Christine.  He was Papa to nine grandchildren, Christopher and Jalen Carter; Maya Pittman married to Jarrette, Maryn and Mycah Mitchell; Alexandria, Nicholas and Christian Williams; one great grandchild, Tavin Wright. He was Godfather to Jonathan Carter.  He was a beloved Brother-in-law to a host of sisters and brothers, Uncle to a host of nieces and nephews, and a Coach and Mentor who in spired many in the community.

     Harold Williams was decorated in his career, education, and many organizations, but above all, faith was his cornerstone.  He believed, "We must always maintain a spiritual connection with God and keep Him in everything we do!"