Arthur Williams Sr.

Arthur James “Art” Williams, Sr., son of the late Booker T. Williams and Lula Mae Dudley Williams was born on December 13, 1932 in Bessemer, Alabama.  Like many African-American families, Art’s parents slowly migrated North, ending up in Columbus, Ohio when he was 10 years old.  Art was a Columbus Public Schools triple-letter varsity athlete in track, football and basketball graduating from Central High School in 1950.

After serving in the United States Air Force from 1952 – 1956, where he became a boxing champion and coach, Art studied Physical Education at The Ohio State University and earned his Associate’s Degree in Carpentry, Blueprint Reading and Estimating from Chicago Tech.  Art was employed with Columbus Public Schools where he became the 1^st African-American Full Carpenter and the 1st African-American Maintenance Supervisor with Columbus Public Schools.  He also taught his trade for evening students at Southeast Career Center for the Central Ohio Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.

At an early age, with guidance from his mother, Lula Mae, Art professed his faith in Jesus Christ.  He became a charter and dedicated member of Southfield Community Missionary Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School, sang with the Male Chorus, became President of the Combined Usher Board and Co-Director of the Christian Education Ministry.  During this time, Art met Charlene Patricia Handon, the love of his life, in 1974.  Six months later, Art proposed to Charlene and six months after that, they wed on June 28, 1975.  Until Art could no longer speak, he proudly shared with all who would listen that he was married to Charlene for “42 continuous years”!  Art and Charlene had two children: Christina Marie and Arthur James, Jr.

Out of all of the ministries in which Art participated, ushering was truly his calling.  Art was very actively involved with the Interdenominational Church Ushers Association and the National United Church Ushers Association of America, where he held various leadership positions at the local, state and regional levels including Central Region President.

Art retired from Columbus Public Schools after 34 years of service.  But if anyone knows anything about Art, he could not sit still!  He founded and co-owned WC Remodeling Company, LLC and was a diligent volunteer for Life Care Alliance for several years by delivering daily Meals on Wheels to shut-in seniors.  Art was also the patriarch featured in the Harmony Project’s 2013 documentary entitled “One Family – One Spirit of Columbus” that premiered at the Drexel Theatre to a sold out audience!

Art quietly departed this life on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Altercare of Hilliard with support from OhioHealth Hospice.  Art was preceded in death by his father, Booker T. Williams; his mother, Lula Mae Dudley Williams; and his brothers, Daniel L. Williams and Johnny B. Williams.

As a result of his generous spirit, pleasant personality and godly wisdom, Art influenced and was loved by many. His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the hearts of: his wife, Charlene Handon Williams; daughter, Christina Marie Williams-Ballenger; son, Arthur James (Zakiyyah) Williams, Jr.; sons of a previous marriage, Robert E. Williams, Sr. and John W. Williams; brother, George D. (Kathy) Williams, Sr.; aunt and matriarch of the Dudley family, Flora Dudley Scales; brother-in-law, William (Rose) Handon; sister-in-law, Mary L. McClendon; grandchildren, Courtney Moriah Ballenger, Corey Jameson  “CJ” Ballenger, Laila Williams, Arthur James “AJ” Williams III and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation 10:00 a.m. Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 31, 2017 at Southfield Community Missionary Baptist Church, 1399 Augmont Ave.

Interment Glen Rest Memorial Estate. 

In addition, memorial donations in honor of Arthur Williams, Sr. can be made to the National Kidney Foundation www.kidney.org/donate or send to 30 E. 33rd Street New York, NY.