Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2001
Williams still ranks in the Top 20 in scoring and rebounding in Deacon history. He played much of his career with a back brace, resulting from a slight spinal deformity.
Williams played on balanced and unselfish Demon Deacon teams that included Lowell "Lefty" Davis, Ernie Wiggins, Jack Murdock and Jim Gilley. In 1957, Williams shared the very first Deacon Award with teammates Murdock and Wiggins. Williams played his entire career for Murray Greason, the winningest coach in Wake Forest history. Horace "Bones" McKinney took over the reigns one year after Williams' departure in 1958.
During his two-year stint in the military, Williams kept his skills sharp by playing for the Eielson Warriors in Alaska. He earned a spot on the Armed Forces All-Star tea, which played in the Pan-American Games in South America.
Born and raised in Johnston City, Ill., Williams was a remarkable overall athlete. In high school he was an all-state fullback in football and captain of the baseball team.
Williams worked as a teacher, coach and administrator until retiring on July 1, 1992. He died on June 26, 2000.
