Teddy Williams

Teddy Eugene Williams was born on the 16th of April, 1930 in the Williams Community in Chatom, Alabama. He was the second son of Edna Preston and Bruce Williams. It was on this family farm and timberland where he learned the lessons that became his lifelong legacy: hard work, integrity, service to community, state, and country.

Williams attended Washington County High School, where he lettered in basketball and graduated in 1948. From there, he attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute, graduating in May 1952 with a BS in Agriculture and a commission through ROTC as a 2nd Lieutenant, Field Artillery, USAR.

Lieutenant Williams continued his military training in Field Artillery and began his Distinguished service in Korea as a Platoon Leader, Forward Observer, and Communications Officer in the 507th AAA Battalion, then the 780th Field Artillery. He was released from active duty in May 1954 as a 1st Lieutenant.

Upon his return from Korea, he joined the Alabama Army National Guard in the same month. Williams continued his stellar military career for the next 38 years and 9 months. His final rank as Brigadier General of the Line, commander of the 142 Signal Brigade (in Decatur) testifies to the respect, commitment, and accomplishments of his distinguished career.

Brigadier General Williams's awards and decorations included: The Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Special Service Medal of Alabama, Korean Service Medal, Veterans Service Medal of Alabama, Faithful Service Medal of Alabama, and Alabama Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.

His career with the Alabama Army National Guard took him to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and in Alabama: Grove Hill, Mobile, Enterprise, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Decatur.

In civilian life, Teddy Williams served Washington County as its State Farm Agent. His wife, Elsie Hoffman Williams, worked alongside him daily as office manager for the business. For 39 years, he worked with the people of the county protecting their property, helping them plan and secure their futures. The Williams State Farm Agency was an integral part of our growing community.

Teddy Williams was a true leader in Washington County and in the Alabama National Guard. His advise and influence were often sought by those at the state level. His Alma Mater, Auburn University School of Agriculture, and elected officials like Governors George C. Wallace and Fob James, U.S. Representative Sonny Callahan knew Teddy Williams was a man of integrity and of influence. He once summed up the importance of politics by saying that he always tried to help, "the best person I thought would improve the state and community."

Teddy Williams worked hard and enjoyed the life he made in Washington County. He enjoyed his cattle and timberland, Auburn Football, and traveling overseas with Elsie and with the whole family in the RV. He loved his Sunday school class, and his extended church family at Chatom First Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elsie, children Gay Lathan (Daryl), Kathy Brown (Phil), and Pam Brown (James Allen). He was preceded in death by children Georgia Morrow and John Williams. His grandchildren are: Larry Wayne Williams (Amber), Heather Williams, Justin Williams (Paige), Casey Brown (K.C.), Corey Brown (Kendra), Curt Brown (Brittany), Krista Dyson (Casey), Tiffany Mason (Ben), Anne Morrow (Deceased), and 18 great grandchildren.

Teddy Williams's other awards and honors are: Named to the State Farm's Career Achievement Club (nearly an annual event), several times an honor agent, and nine times named to the Millionaire Club. He was a charter member of the National Guard Historical Society, a member of the Jordan-Hare Alumni Club, Tigers Unlimited member, Washington County Cattlemen's Association, selected to the Washington County Hall of Fame, Clarke-Washington Auburn Alumni Association, Auburn Agriculture Alumni Association, Alabama Forestry Association, National Guard Association, Retired Officer Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Pallbearers will be Larry Wayne Williams, Justin Williams, Casey Brown, Corey Brown, Curt Brown, Casey Dyson, Honorary Pallbearers are His Sunday School Class, Nathan Dees, Paul Jones, Jimmy Atchison, Billy Bouler, and Stan Wilson.

Funeral Services will be at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Chatom First Baptist Church with a visitation one hour prior to services. Bro. Robert Kirkland officiating and Lathan Funeral Home Directing, Military Honors will be at the Chatom Town Cemetery immediately following services at the church. Online condolences may be shared at www.lathanfuneralhome.com