Obituary for Earle Williams
Earle Williams entered into eternal rest and peace and into the loving arms of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, on Thursday, December 8th. He is once again with his true beloved, Mary Elaine Price Williams, to whom he was married for 63 years.

Earle was born in West Columbia on September 27, 1915, to the late Melton and Katherine Geiger Williams. He spent his entire life in West Columbia, except for his service in the Army during World War II when he was stationed in England and France. A man of great faith, he has been a member of Brookland United Methodist Church in West Columbia since age 12; serving as Sunday School Superintendent for over 20 years and on many other boards and committees within the church.

He graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School in 1934 where he excelled in academics and sports (football, basketball, track and baseball). His football career started in 1931 as an eighth grader on the varsity team and continued until his graduation. He was inducted into the Brookland-Cayce Hall of Fame in the 90’s.

Earle continued to play football and baseball after high school on Melton Field in Columbia and was the third baseman for the Brookland UMC fast pitch softball team. In the early 1950’s, he along with his brother, Billy Lynn Williams and others, were instrumental in starting Little League Baseball in West Columbia. He coached for many years and the teams won several championships. He also coached American Legion Baseball. The ball field on B Avenue in West Columbia is named in his honor. In his spare time he loved to play golf and has been a member of the Lexington Country Club since its inception.
Earle served his community as Mayor of West Columbia from 1955-1975 and was involved in many other community activities. During his tenure as Mayor, the old city hall on Center Street was built. He also was the Purchasing Agent for Mt. Vernon Mills and retired after 44 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Rish; daughter-in-law, Carol Williams; brother, Billy Lynn Williams, Sr.; nephew, Billy Lynn Williams, Jr.; sister-in-law, Mickey Walkup; cousin, Janice Geiger West; grandchildren, Wyman M. “Quen” Rish, Jr. (Nan), Don Zahnle (Dana), Kerri Lynn Rish, Kevin Earle Williams (Karen) and Kelli Marie Edwards (Matt); eighteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are numerous adoring nieces and nephews.

Earle, known as GaGa to family and friends, was preceded in death by his brother, Lynverd G. Williams; son, W. Earle “Bubba” Williams, Jr.; son-in-law, Wyman M. “Mac” Rish; brothers and sisters-in-law, H.A. and Sarah Dixon, Wallace Walkup, Frances Williams, and Bob and Anne Mooneyhan.
The family wants to extend a special thanks to Mrs. Vivian Summer who was a faithful neighbor to him especially during his later years.

Funeral services will be held at Brookland United Methodist Church, 541 Meeting Street West Columbia, SC on Sunday, December 11th at 3:00 pm with interment to follow at Celestial Memorial Gardens, 3111 Delree Street West Columbia. Visitation will be held in the church fellowship hall from 1:00-2:45 pm. Memorials may be made to Brookland United Methodist Church. Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia is assisting the family.
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