Mr. Simuel Williams, 82, peacefully entered the sunset of life at his home on Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Sumter, South Carolina.   Born in Hampton Florida, he was a son of the late Dewitt Williams and Addie Wells Williams.  For over 54 years, "Simmie" was the beloved husband of Mary McGriff Williams.

Mr. Williams grew up in Palatka, Florida where he graduated from Central High School.  He went on to attend Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida and was a graduate of Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina.  He also completed studies at the University of South Carolina.

Mr. Williams was a veteran of the United States Army and a mason of the St. Paul #8 Masonic Lodge. He was employed as an educator by Sumter School District #17 for 28 years.   He was known as "Coach Williams" by Sumter High School's B-team football and by the varsity football team, where he served as an assistant coach.  He was a die-hard fan of the USC Gamecocks, Florida Gators, Pittsburg Steelers, and San Francisco 49ers football teams.  He also loved vegetable gardening, fishing and he loved his family.

The most defining chapter of his life was his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.  He was baptized at an early age and was a faithful member of Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Sumter, South Carolina where he served in many capacities including, the Trustee Board, Sunday School, Usher Board, Men's Choir and Senior Choir.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, John Williams, Clara Wright, Ivory Williams, Donald Williams, Lonza Dewitt Williams, Willie T. Williams and Jimmie Lee Williams.

Survivors left to cherish precious memories are his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Mary McGriff Williams of the home; dedicated daughters: Simetrice Williams of Myrtle Beach, SC and Camille Williams-Shaw of Sumter, SC; loving grandsons, Stacey Tirrell Shaw, II and William Tirrell Shaw of Conway, SC; sister, Deloris Purdy of Palatka, Florida and brother, Robert James Williams of Oakland, California; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and associates.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Building Fund, P. O. Box 3032, Sumter, SC  29151. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Monday, May 3, 2021, at Palmer Memorial Chapel-Columbia, 1200 Fontaine Place, Columbia, South Carolina.  Interment will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. Courtesy announcement provided by Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel.