Edwin Roland "Buddy" Williams, Jr., 68, of Jacksonville, entered the sunset of life on Friday, September 20, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center-South, Jacksonville. A native of Jacksonville, he was the son of Edwin Roland Williams Sr., and Winifred Hill Williams, born on Tuesday, December 12, 1950. "Buddy" was educated in the Putnam County School District and a 1968 graduate of Central Academy High School and also attended Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA. U.S. Army SP4 Williams entered service on November 10, 1969 at Fort Benning GA., completing numerous courses including Combat Training, Military Justice and Basic Airborne. He also earned the National Defense Service medal and served in the Reserves before his honorable discharge on November 4, 1975 at Fort Bragg, NC. Over the years, Buddy's career was in auto sales and hospitality in northeast and central Florida.   He retired as assistant manager at Radisson Hotel-Riverwalk, Jacksonville. He was a cigar aficionado and a member of Smoking Aces Cigar Club. His hobbies included golfing and fishing.  Buddy was preceded in eternal rest by his parents.

Those who cherish his memories: life partner, Gloria Shears, Jacksonville; children, Ayana C. Williams, Tia N. Williams, Brian K. Williams, all of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren , Nicholas Williams, Morgan Williams, Joseph Dansby, Jalen Williams, Blake Williams, all of Atlanta, GA; sisters, Wanda Williams Brown, Palatka; Carolyn (Clifton) Williams Smith, West Palm Beach, Joycelyn Williams-Fields and Michelle (Michael) Williams-Dunbar, both of Jacksonville; godchildren, Kam Fasnacht, Jacksonville; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m., Friday, September 27, at Flagg's Chapel of Serenity. Homegoing Celebration with U.S. Army conducting military honors at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 28, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 719 Reid Street, Palatka, Rev. James McGriff, Pastor and Eulogist. Interment will be 9 a.m., Monday, September 30 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville.