Williams, Homer

1935 - 2021

Please take a moment to consider the life of Homer Williams. Born in Jackson, MI on June 2, 1935, Homer was raised from an early age by his sister Henrene Williams. Through hard work and diligence, he won admission to Jackson State University, where he studied Math Education. Following college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving on active duty as a commissioned officer at Fort Polk, LA. After serving his country honorably, he transferred to the Army Reserves, and got a job with the U.S. Department of Defense. Homer would go on to serve for 35 years as a management analyst with the Defense Construction Supply Center. He also retired from the Army after 32 years at the rank of major. Pretty good for a southern boy whose career began as a busboy! The story of Homer cannot be told in full without Ruth, his wife, his travelling companion, his partner, the mother of his children...essentially, the center of his life. So the full story of Homer is the tale of Homer and Ruth. Homer and Ruth met at Jackson State University.

Mama once confided to me that while he was much interested in her, she was more focused on her studies. But persistence pays, and when she graduated (he had graduated the year before), she agreed to be his wife. Both taking jobs with the defense department, Homer and Ruth uprooted their young family, moving from the south to Columbus, During their tenure with DCSC, they each earned their Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University, all while raising three kids. Homer and Ruth are two of the original founders of the Columbus chapter of Blacks in Government,

a non-profit organization. Each has served as President, Vice-president, Treasurer, and Secretary. They were also delegates at many national conventions. Homer served on the Board for a few years. Homer and Ruth became members of St. Philip Episcopal Church shortly after becoming residents in Columbus, Ohio. It was a compromise between Ruth’s Baptist background and Homer’s Catholic background.homer and Ruth were involved in civic orga

nizations and the church.

Homer was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Toastmaster, St. Philip Episcopal Church Men, St. Philip Episcopal Church Business Manager, and was a Church Lay Reader. Homer and Ruth loved all kinds of music; she and Homer had an extensive record collection covering almost all genres. She and Homer also loved to travel; in their time together, they visited Morocco and Canada, and several times drove across the US to California and back. Homer and Ruth have an extensive family including sons, Harlan and Bretton (Stephannie); daughter, Lanelle (Mounir); nephews, Donovan Williams and Rodger Williams; grandchildren, Lavell, D’MItri, Bretton, Ramzy; four great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends, including Homer’s sister Henrene Williams, who preceded him in 2013. Celebration of Life 11AM Friday, September 3, 2021 at St. Philip Episcopal Church, 166 Woodland Ave., where his family will receive friends from 10Am until time of service. Arrangements entrusted to DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long St. Visit Homer’s tribute wall at www.diehl-whittaker. com