Lawrence Williams
August 13, 1918 - April 7, 2010
Obituary
Lawrence ‘Smokey’ Williams, passed away on April 7, 2010 at Queen Anne Health Care Center in Seattle, Washington. He was born August 13, 1918 in Paris, Texas to Donald and Lillian Carter Williams. He has 5 siblings, Charles Williams, Lula Williams, Katherine Hammond Maxwell, Clarence Hammond and Herbert Hammond. All preceeded him in death except his sister Katherine ‘Maud’ Maxwell of Lubbock, Texas.
On January 14, 1940, he was united in holy matrimony with Willie Mae Phillips. To this union there were two children, Rosetta Palmore Williams, of Seattle, WA and Lillie Mae Houston of Rialto, Californina.
On January 5, 1944, he enlisted into the United States Army as Duty Soldier. In the Army he was a trained Marksman on the M1 rifle. He received the American Theatre Service Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and The Victory Medal. On January 31, 1946, he received his Honorable Discharge papers and was released at Fort Lewis, WA. He decided to stay in Washington State to raise his family.
With humble beginnings and only completing the third grade, he had a vision to start his own business. He opened a shoeshine parlor on 22nd Ave and East Madison St. He was well liked in the community and the business was a success because of his attitude and wisdom. The customers gave him the nickname of ‘Smokey’. The people of Seattle would say ‘I am going down to Smokey’s to get my shoes shined. He became employed at Todd Pacific Shipyard Corp. on January 30, 1951 and on March 8, 1986, he received a Certificate of Recognition of Appreciation of Loyal and Valuable Service from the Ship Scaler Union. He worked his way up to become a Supervisor and with that position he was able to help encourage the young men and women. He would tell them ‘If I did it, you can do it too’. On January 30, 1985 after 35 years of service he retired.
He loved to work in his rose garden. Each year the family would come together to enjoy a big Happy Birthday Party.
Lawrence leaves to cherish his memory, wife of 70 years Willie Mae Williams, daughters Rosetta Palmore Williams and Lillie Mae Houston. Five 5 Grandchildren; Veronica Jones, Kimberly Brown, Kevin Palmore, Pam Adams, and Chuck Palmore. Nine 9 Great grandchildren; Kristopher Johnson, Derrick Jones, Ashlee Jones, Kayla Palmore, Kennedy Rose Palmore, Bronze and Brandon Adams, and Kyle and Keenan Brown. One son-in-law, Marcus Houston and one daughter-in-law Angela and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
My sincere condolences to the Williams family. I had met him and thought what a gentleman.
Love,
Rosetta Alston
You were a husband, a father, and a provider. To others a uncle, a brother, and a mentor. You made us feel safe and secure. You were our rock, our covering. We were so blessed to have you for our protector as long as we did. Now we have to walk this journey without you. We will continue to love you dearly until we see you again. “Rest In Peace”
Love the Family