Theodore (Ted) Ozell Williams, 87, was born March 23rd, 1937, in Akron, Ohio to Theodore and Ellestine Williams. Ted was the only living sibling of the five children from their union (Jesse, Barbara, Ray, Celestine and Marshall).  His life can best be described as one of 'resiliency' as he overcame many obstacles to lead a very productive and spiritual life full of love, laughter and wonderful memories.  One of those formidable obstacles was when his parents divorced, neither could afford to support all the children so the boys were placed in the custody of the state.  He then lived with two sets of foster parents from the age of eight to eighteen.  Fortunately, both sets of foster parents gave him a strong faith-based foundation which stressed the values of work ethic and character which helped guide him through his life.

Upon graduating from Akron East High School, he went on to work in cement construction for which he became a highly regarded and well-respected cement finisher for over 35 years.  He then completed his career retiring from MacTac Adhesives after 12 years.

Ted married Dorothy Wilson, and they had two children, Darchelle, who has two children and 16 grandchildren and Theodore Jr., who has six children and 14 grandchildren. Later, he met Louise (Nita) Williams and became a long-time bonus dad to her four children Johnny (Chariss), two children, one grandson; Gerald, three children, nine grandchildren; Kenny, two children, three grandchildren and Pam (Keith), two children, two grandchildren.  He leaves six children, 45 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews as part of his legacy.

As a god-fearing man, he was an active and engaged 20-year member of Mt. Calvary Baptist church and a 25-year member of The House of The Lord.  For such a big man, he had a beautiful angelic voice and often sang solos as a choir member and several of our friends' weddings. One of his favorite songs to sing was "His Eye Is On The Sparrow."

Importantly, he was a wise, strong, kind, soft-spoken and proud man to all who knew and met him.  He served as a role model for many young men and epitomized what a black man should be and do while navigating their lives full of potholes and obstacles.

Upon retirement, he enjoyed traveling the world with Nita, his wife of 55 years.  Be it cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska, or flights to Europe, he enjoyed all the joys that retired life had to offer.  Their relationship in their senior years was one that all couples would aspire to.  But they both would be the first to tell you that it wasn't easy getting there as they endured and overcame all the obstacles and challenges that life had to throw at them.  But endure they did, despite all odds against them!

His authenticity, sincerity, humility and love for people was evident in every interaction.  His quiet confidence and wise words were respected, admired and fully resonated with everyone.  Ted Williams was our hero, he was our Superman, he was our role model, and he can rest in heaven knowing that he made a significant and positive impact in the lives of many.