DEACON DONALD WILLIAMS

Donald Williams was born on November 4, 1936, in Redfox, Kentucky on Breeding Creek to James "Poppy" Harlin Williams and Sophia Walker-Williams.  He was the twelfth child born of thirteen children.

Growing up in Redfox, he received his education through Perry and Knott County Public Schools.  It was there that he gained the love of basketball.  Donald, along with his younger sister, Wilam Jean, were one of the 1st five African American students to be a part of the integration of schools in 1956 to attend Carr Creek High School in Hazard, KY. Donald was also the first African American to be on the Carr Creek basketball team.  The school closed in 1974 joining Hindman and Knott County to form Knott County Central High School.

On December 12, 1958, Donald was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Mariar Virginia Shelby Combs and they eventually moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1959.  This couple was blessed with two children.  

Donald enjoyed gardening in his spare time.  Whether it was enjoying a competitive game of horseshoes or basketball, Donald never met a stranger. He would always let it be known that he was a diehard fan of the University of Kentucky Basketball and the Indiana Pacers.

Donald always had a strong work ethic. He was a professional painter by trade.  Being one of the first to test run the original electrostatic painting technology founded by Ransburg Corporation, where he was employed there for over 25 years, retiring in 2002.

Donald was a long-time member of Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist where he served as a Deacon, Usher, Church Bus Driver, and Male Chorus. 

Donald was a loving and devoted husband, caring for his wife until her death, a great father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Early Wednesday morning, on April 30, 2025, at the age of 87 years, 3 months and 4 days. Donald entered from labor to rest. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Harlin and Sophia Williams, his wife of 62 years, Mariar Virginia Shelby Williams, daughter, Teresa Lynn Williams-Corbin, five brothers: Dennis Williams, Marcus Williams, Jake "LP" Williams, Worthy "Butt Cutt" Williams, John Henry Williams, and six sisters: Ruthie Williams, Ola Clyburn, Oma Adams, Wilma Jean Benson, Anna Mae Combs and Donia Mae Christon. 

Donald leaves to cherish precious memories with his loving son, Roy D. Williams, Indianapolis, IN, grandson, Donald (Minuette) Corbin, great grandchildren: Gracelynn and Gabriella Corbin, all of San Antonio, TX, brother Odis Williams, Indianapolis, IN and a host of nieces, nephews, many beloved friends, and church family.

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