Arthur Lee Williams

The Life of Arthur Lee Williams Arthur Lee Williams, son of the late James Henry and Ophelia Kenlaw-Williams, was born in Beaufort County, North Carolina, on October 13, 1926. He departed this life, suddenly, on February 5, 2021. He was 94 years old. Arthur was educated in the Beaufort County Public Schools. In 1945, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was deployed to the South Pacific where he served as a truck driver. While serving, he was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 4, 1946. Lee moved to Baltimore, Maryland, after his military service, where he obtained work in a variety of fields. He even received certification as a watch repairer, after completing a training course. He then moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as he continued searching for better employment. Around 1953, Lee settled in New York City, and there, he found work and lifelong friends. In 1955, Lee married Betty Jean Walker. They were blessed with three children: Jonathan (deceased), Denise (deceased) and Doreen. Lee worked in the N.Y.C. Public School system and the N.Y.C. Transit Authority. After retiring from both, Lee and Jean relocated to Delaware, in 1990. Lee was a loving, caring and supportive husband, father and grandfather. He was known for his keen sense of humor, his infectious smile that could light up any room, his quick wit and the advice he gave. His favorite dish to cook was anything with fish, particularly salmon and eggs and his specialty was North Carolina style chopped BBQ. He loved to fish and hunt. He loved music, his favorite being classic and smooth jazz. His favorite things to watch were westerns, Sanford and Son, Good Times, The Andy Griffith Show, along with Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show. Lee was a sharp dresser and loved to shoot pool and play poker with his best buddy, Teddy Mosley. Lee is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Jean; his daughter, Denise; his son, Jonathan; his brothers, James, Joseph and Oscar; and his sisters Eva, Fannie and Magnolia. Lee is survived by his daughter, Doreen of Dover, Delaware; his sisters, Juanita Spruill and Ophelia Payton of Baltimore, Maryland; five grandchildren, Antoine, Andre, Kendomechia (Eric), CeCe (Nick) and Arthur II; seven great-grandchildren, Sanaa, Samiyah, Isaiah, Malachi, Antoine, Jr., A’Kilah and Sheik (Rebel); three brothers-in-law, Spencer (Joy) of Monroe, Maryland, Augustin (Linda) of Hackensack, New Jersey and Charlie of Baltimore, Maryland; two sisters-in-law, Rose of Baltimore, Maryland and Marian (Artis) of the Bronx, New York; a special grand-niece, Vhonda (Jimmy) of Owings Mill, Maryland; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Everyone that knew Lee, loved him and upon encountering him, either walked away laughing or wiser. Lee had a big heart and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Arthur Lee Williams

October 13, 1926 - February 5, 2021