United States Army Veteran, Mr. Morris Randolph Williams, Jr. of 1406 South 10th Street, Cordele, Georgia died Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at his residence.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Bethel C. M. E. Church in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial, with military honors will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.  Everyone in attendance is asked to please wear a mask and to practice social distancing.

Two people sat alone one night, deciding their fate.  He to her, "We can have a beautiful life, if you would become my mate."  On May 3, 1929, against the wishes of many, the two were joined as one.  On October 13, 1939, Morris Randolph Williams and Annie Claude Williams were blessed with their youngest son.  He was named    Morris Randolph Williams, Jr.

Better known as "M.R.," he was joined in marriage to the late Gwendolyn Jackson Williams and is survived by a son, Derrick (Connie) Williams of Cordele, Georgia; a daughter, Lawana (Robert) Grant of Savannah, Georgia. He is the grandfather of five, Taniesha, Andrea, Vernon, LaChandra and Candace and great grandpa to many.   He is also survived by five siblings, Evelyn Robinson of Fort Valley, Georgia, Dr. W. Clyde Williams of Atlanta, Georgia, Joann Hayes of Savannah, Georgia, Joycelyn Lewis of Cordele, Georgia, and Maryann Pickard of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Mr. Williams is a 1959 graduate of the Historic Holsey Cobb Institute. In 1960, after graduating, he served his country by joining the United States Army and became a soldier in the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  He served for two years and two months.

In 1962, he was hired by the Cordele Police Department serving as one of the first Black Police Officers.  Mr. Williams was employed with the department for 20 years and completed training from University of Georgia with further studies in St. Petersburg, Florida.  During his tenure, he was promoted to Detective in March of 1975.  He was later promoted to Detective Lieutenant in 1978. In 1980, he was chosen as the Man of the Year awarded by the Peaceful Riders Club of Cordele for his achievements. He continued his career in Law Enforcement as a Probation Officer for 19 years before retiring.

Mr. Williams has always had a mindset of being a Small Business Entrepreneur. He served the Cordele community by owning the first black operated laundromat, A & M Laundry Mat in the early 70's. From 1977 to  September, 2021, he continued his entrepreneurship by owning and operating Williams Septic & Grease Trap Cleaning Services.

He was a very dedicated and active member of the Bethel CME Church where he served in many capacities, to include, Trustee Board Chairman, Steward and Choir Member. He had a magnificent voice that warmed the hearts of others and was asked by many churches and organizations to share it at religious and community events. His favorite song to sing was definitely, "He Looked Beyond My Faults."

He was an avid craftsman and could build anything by hand.  Over the years, some of his favorite projects to construct were prayer benches, podiums, and rocking chairs. One of his largest projects was the remodeling of a church.

It was always the desire of his parents for each of their children to find their place in this world and to do everything in their power to make it a better place.  They were told that outside of Cordele was a world waiting to be explored.  M. R. recognized that a person's worth is measured by the legacy they leave behind.

On Wednesday, June 8, 2022 we became the beneficiaries of his legacy of Love, Honor, Respect and Service to God, country and community.