Williams turns 101

Sam Williams (middle) with his son Johny Williams (left), and his great-grandson Ethan Williams, who returned home from his inititation just before Christmas.

Sam Williams, a prominent figure in church, soccer and politics circles, celebrated his 101st birthday on Christmas Day. Reflecting on a life journey he describes as challenging yet meaningful, he attributes his longevity to a fundamental principle found in Exodus 20:12: "Honour your father and mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." This principle, along with respecting elders and avoiding wrongdoing, has been pivotal in his life.

Williams is renowned as a church leader, a dedicated sportsman, notably a football player, a seasoned politician, and cherished as a father of ten, grandfather and a greatgrandfather. One of his recent joys was welcoming home his great-grandson, Ethan Williams, from initiation school just before Christmas, marking a special connection across generations.

Born in 1922 in the district of Murraysburg, Williams actively engaged in football, joining the Shamrocks Football Club in 1951.

Later, he established the Flying Stars Football Club, cherishing one of his proudest moments as their captain, leading his team to a resounding 9-3 victory against the Young Rangers from Vereniging in Gauteng.

Transitioning from his successful football career, he assumed the role of president of the Graaff-Reinet Football Referees Association until his retirement. In 1957, he embraced a new role as an evangelist minister at Luzipho Congregational

Church in Umasizakhe. Williams recalls the political landscape of 1983, but highlights his retirement following Nelson Mandela's election as president of South Africa in 1994.

Throughout his life, he has remained steadfast in his faith, crediting the sustaining power of the Lord for his enduring vitality.