Lester Dean Williams, Sr. Obituary

Mr. Lester Dean Williams, Sr. was born on September 2, 1946, to the late Thomas Clifford
Wilson and Sadie Mae Williams in Fairfield, Alabama. He was affectionately known as "LD"
and "DeeDee" to his family while growing up "at the top of the hill" on 52nd Street. Raised by
his grandparents, Henry and Louise, after the death of his mother in 1951, he spent his early
childhood years surrounded by a large extended family that showered him with love and
affection. During his teenage years, he found it a joy to be in the company of his beloved
grandmother, who he affectionately called "Ma Ma", while helping her in any way he could.
Family played an integral role in Mr. Williams' early life that would last throughout the years.
At an early age, under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. F. D. Vaughn, he accepted Christ
while attending Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Fairfield. Growing up, he was a product of the
Fairfield City School System, graduating from Robinson Elementary School and eventually
making his way to Fairfield Industrial High School. During his time in high school, he began to
take interest in automotive technology, under the stewardship of Mr. Issac Ephraim, who would
become a lifelong friend and mentor. After graduating from Fairfield Industrial High School in
1964, Mr. Williams worked in the cafeteria at the Flintridge Building in Fairfield and as a
delivery helper for Barber's Dairy Company in Birmingham. In early adulthood, he visited his
father and family in Erie, PA and was able to travel to several cities during that time, including
Boston, Cleveland, and Buffalo. During his time in Erie, he was employed alongside his father at
General Electric as a factory worker. He eventually made his way back to Birmingham in the late
1960s for a career at UAB Hospital that would span over 50 years.

While working at UAB Hospital in Environmental Services he would meet Mary Rogers, who
would become his wife of over 50 years. Their courtship would include listening to music,
dancing, and spending time with one another in and around downtown Birmingham. They were
wed in holy matrimony by the late Rev. F. D. Vaughn and would become the parents of four
children from their union. Mary's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, took an immediate liking to him
and viewed him as another son. Much of his time was spent helping his beloved mother-in-law,
Sarah, around her house; enjoying time with Mary's family and friends; and watching the
Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers on the weekends with his father-in-law, Lucius.
During his time at UAB Hospital as a Patient Care Technician in Perioperative Services, he was a
faithful and dedicated employee. He not only answered the call to assist his colleagues when
needed but would go out of his way to make each and every patient under his care feel special.
Mr. Williams was highly regarded throughout his professional career and received numerous
accolades for his exemplary performance, caring nature, and benevolent attitude. A recent
achievement that defined his contributions, excellence, and years of service – and the hallmark of
his career – was receiving the 2021 UAB Medicine Excellence Award. His co-workers at UAB
affectionately called him "Papa D" during his many years of service and friendship.

Weekends were spent recording and watching every University of Alabama football, softball, and
basketball game. During his lifetime, he was not only an avid Alabama fan, but was also a
collector of Alabama football memorabilia who was able to amass a large and vast collection of
hats that symbolized his love of sports. He was a fan of the Cleveland Browns as well,
particularly Jim Brown. Mr. Williams and his son would have lighthearted discussions about who
was the greatest running back of all time. While his son believed it was Barry Sanders, Mr.
Williams would say that Jim Brown was not only the greatest running back of all time, but the
greatest football player of all time. Another passion was listening to his favorite music, the Isley
Brothers and Sam Cooke.

When not listening to music or working in his lawn, he would watch his favorite shows
(including Sanford and Son, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, and ABC World News Tonight) and
sort his vast collection of videocassette tapes, stereo 45s, and 8-track tapes. However, his greatest
passion was spending time with his wife.

Mr. Williams left for his heavenly abode on Friday, October 20, 2023, at UAB Hospital. He left a
remarkable impression on everyone he knew and encountered. He was a humble spirit and
trusted confidant to all who knew him. He was a great blessing as a dedicated family man to his
wife, children, and grandchildren. His legacy of sacrificial love will always be remembered.
He leaves to treasure his beloved memories: a devoted wife of 53 years, Mrs. Mary Williams;
one son, Lester Dean Williams, Jr., (Erin) of Phoenix, AZ; three daughters, Tracy (Deforrest, Sr.)
Browning of Birmingham, Shawanda Williams of Birmingham, and Ashley Williams of
Berkeley, CA; one granddaughter, Alexis Williams of Phoenix, AZ; three grandsons, Deforrest
Browning, Jr., Dekhelan Browning, and Gabriel Browning, all of Birmingham; and a host of
loving family and friends.

His legacy of love, kindness, and wisdom will live on in his family and all others whose lives he
touched. Mr. Williams' departure is a profound loss to all who knew him, but his spirit will
continue to inspire us. Let us celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the love he shared with
us all. Let us find solace in the knowledge that his spirit lives, the memories we hold dear of him
will last, and the love he had will bind us together. May we be comforted by the thought that his
legacy will endure, reminding us always of the power of love, kindness, and the incredible
impact one person can have on the world.
May he rest in eternal peace and may his memory be a blessing and source of comfort to us all.
With deepest sympathy,
The Williams Family