Ottis James Williams, Sr. was born June 29, 1944 in Belle Glade, Florida to the late Moses Williams and
Frances Mae Stephens. He was the 6th born of twelve siblings. Ottis fought the good fight, he finished
his race, he kept the faith, he departed this life on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at his home in Lake
Worth, Florida, and now there is a crown of righteousness awaiting him in heaven.
Ottis spent his early years in Belle Glade and Bartow Florida being educated in the Palm Beach County
and Polk County School Systems. He accepted Christ at an early age and was ordained as a Deacon in
1981 at Miracle By Faith Revival Center of South Bay, where he served faithfully for many years.
Ottis overcame many challenges in his life and always found a way to be great despite the trials and
tribulations he encountered. He always took time to give God the glory for covering and blessing him
throughout his life from his early years, as an inexperienced young boy, to his later years as a wise
mature man. Ottis was extremely brilliant and very good with his hands. He was known as a jack of all
trades and a master of most. There were very few things he could not repair or at least figure out how
to make them operational. Professionally, Ottis was dedicated, hardworking, dependable, and a
trailblazer for the many individuals led, mentored, and coached. He worked his way up the corporate
ladder in the Waste Management Industry, from an entry level position with Belle Glade Waste
Management to a senior leadership position at the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, where
he retired in 2011.
Ottis was a man of many passions including fishing, singing, doing handyman work, minor mechanical
work, and collecting antiques -- although most of his children felt he was an undercover hoarder. He
was a friend to all, highly respected in his community, looked for every opportunity to encourage and be
positive, and was known for his very distinguishable laugh. He loved to talk and would engage in
conversations with anyone about anything. He had strong opinions about a lot of things and did not
mind sharing them with you. He particularly enjoyed discussions about God's word the most and would
spend hours talking on any biblical topic. His favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with
all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall
direct your paths." He lived by these words and would often say that this scripture summed up his life
because when he would look back over his life and wonder how he got over and survived the difficulties
that might have taken others out, it was his trust and faith in the Lord his Shepard that ordered his steps
through the dangerous valley and the shadows of death he had to navigate. Ottis was a strong man of
faith and would always say he felt God's presence most in during his greatest challenges and the Lord
never abandoned or failed him.
While Ottis lived an exciting and fulfilled life, nothing was more important to him than his children and
grandchildren. He took his roles as family patriarch, leader, and father very seriously. He believed in
being the example you speak about. He was very much an alpha male who protected his family and
addressed any matter that posed a threat. He loved his children and provided for them as best he

could. He was a strong believer in teaching his children the values of hard work, ethics, morals,
character, personal accountability, and protecting the integrity of the Williams name. He spoke with a
soft voice and treated his children as individuals; however, they all knew it was serious business if he
paused and slowly turned towards you with one eye brow raised and the other lowered. With his
children, he utilized a balance of love and support to encourage them, and admonishment and discipline
to correct them.
Ottis was preceded in death by his brothers Henry Williams and Charles Williams; and step-daughter
Sherry Hodges. He leaves to cherish his memory 11 Children: Ella (Roy - deceased) Webb, Otis (Sherell)
Williams, Jr., Diana Burton, Sandra (Marcus) Clarke, Tony (Yolanda) Williams, Gene Limar (Victoria)
Williams, Keith (Kyla) Washington, Jairrick Williams, Katharine Williams, Thomas Williams, and Michael
Williams; 5 Step Children: Tony (Antonia) Williams, Daniel (Barbera) Woodson, Cavetta Williams, T.
Lashon (Darrin) Walker, and Kenneth (Natasha) Lewis; 68 Grandchildren; 80 Great Grandchildren; 5
Sisters: Flonisey Smith, Gladys Royal, Vella Hagan, Rosetta Taylor, and Angela Harvey; 4 brothers: Moses
"Tony" Williams, Roger Williams, Ricky Sullivan, and Stegual Williams; several children to which he
served as a surrogate father; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.