Samuel Ezell Williams
October 18, 1941 - August 2, 2020
Samuel (Sam) Ezell Williams passed away peacefully from
pneumonia at age 78 with his family and pastor by his side on August 2, 2020 at
San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, California. He was born October
18, 1941 in Arlington, Tennessee to Charles and Elmira Williams.
Sam graduated from Barret’s Chapel High School in Arlington,
Tennessee. He went on to graduate from Washington University in St. Louis,
Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. St. Louis
is also where he met Dorothy, the love of his life. They met at West Side
Baptist Church and were married there on his birthday in 1964.
Sam had a successful 24-year career with Target Stores
(Dayton Hudson Corporation) that began in St. Louis and continued at their
headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During his time at Target his
positions included being a Buyer, Apparel Import Manager, Import Manager and
ultimately the Director of Imports. It was also during this time he was
appointed to the Taskforce on International Trade, served on the Board of
Directors for the Midwest Importers Trade Association, worked on the Importers
and Retailers Trade Advisor Committee, and was a member of the American
Association of Exporters and Importers. Throughout his career he traveled
extensively worldwide. He loved to send his family postcards from afar
and always returned home with special gifts and souvenirs for them from the
various countries where he traveled.
Sam worked for Revco Drug Stores, Inc. in Twinsburg, Ohio as
the Director of Import and Marketing Operations for five years prior to
relocating to Rancho Cucamonga, California and returning to Target Stores for
another five years before retiring with a total of 29 years of service to
Target Stores.
Following his time at Target, Sam’s desire to serve in
ministry led him to Community Baptist Church (CBC) where he was Associate
Pastor for fifteen years before retiring from that ministry. During his
time at CBC he served on many committees and ministries at the church. In
addition to his work at CBC, he was a long-time member and leader of Bible
Study Fellowship (BSF). He was a Board Member of Pacific Church
Network. He was also a long-standing Board Member and ultimately became
the Chairman of the Board for WorldVenture, an international missions
organization. As head of the Missions Team at CBC, Sam traveled to
Honduras many times. His mission work also took him to Mexico, Thailand,
Israel, and Africa. He was often described as “An Angel on Earth” and was
truly a Godly man. Sam was a faithful servant who touched so many lives
all around the world.
In addition to all his work, Sam enjoyed studying the Bible,
mentoring others, and photography. Spending time with his family was
very important to him, and he especially cherished his time with his
granddaughters. He also looked forward to attending the “Annual Williams
Family Reunion” with his siblings and extended family.
Sam leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 55 years,
Dorothy, his daughters Melanie Hurst (Jerry) and Robyn Norman (Todd), and his
granddaughters Samaya, Aleesha, and Jasmine Norman. He also leaves to cherish
his memory his brothers Melvin Williams, Joe Williams (Catherine), Nathan
Williams (Reita), his sisters Betty Cody (William), Emma Agnew (Elijah), Carol
Whitaker, Margaret Hinton, his sister-in-law, Catherine Brown, his
brother-in-law, James Brown (Valorie), his cousins, many nieces, nephews, and
friends . He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Elmira and
his brother Ori (Charles Jr.) Williams.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to
everyone for all the prayers, support and expressions of love during this
time.
Due to current restrictions, a memorial service will be held
at a future date.
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure…
You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure…”
~ Anonymous
