Herbert Williams

Herbert S. Williams 103 years old, died November 27, 2008 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio-Perrysburg. Born in Newport, KY he moved to Toledo at the age of 5 years old and lived at 1119 Washington Street, graduating in 1926 from Woodward Normal Tech. He worked for and served as a printers apprentice with the Harris Printing Company on City Park and The Davis Printing Company. He relocated to Chicago in 1931 with the hopes of serving as a printer with the Chicago Defender. He followed his uncle’s footsteps by working with his newsstand on Sheridan Rd and Rodgers Avenue near Lake Michigan. He remained in Chicago to assist his uncle and later operated the business alone when his uncle became ill. He operated the newsstand seven days a week, year round for 40 years until 1970. In 1971 he moved his business indoors and remained there another 15 years. Herbert and his wife Opal built a home in Evanston, IL. After retirement from the newsstand and at the age of 88 years old, he became a crossing guard and continued until the age of 92 as well as driving until age 95. In 2001, he came to Toledo to be near his family. He took great pride in living at the Park Lane Apartments and Executive Towers. He charmed everyone he met and always had a positive word to share. He reestablished his membership with the church of his youth, and became the oldest member of Third Baptist Church. He was a scoutmaster at Third Baptist in the 1920’s, and received their Longevity Award in 2003. He also was recognized for his service as a crossing guard by the Illinois Civics & Safety Committee. Mr. Williams life of hard work with a positive attitude will continue to inspire everyone for many years to come. His longevity inspired everyone, his sharp mind to the end of his life is an example of his “can do and must do” philosophy. Herbert was preceded in death by his wife Opal Williams, two daughters, Sylvia A. Jackson and Lenore M. Skipper three grandsons Reginald David, Bruce Malcolm and Martin Bradford Huntley, sister Lenora Farrow. He is survived by daughter Adelaide Priscilla (Reginald) Huntley, Carol (William) Hendrix of Glencoe, IL, devoted friend Jack Moore, 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Friday 10:00 a.m. followed by wake services at 12:00 noon and funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Third Baptist Church, Pastor Kevin J