Gerald Williams' Obituary
Gerald B. Williams was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 15, 1947. He was the oldest of two children born to the late James Williams and Katherine Scott.
Gerald was baptized at an early age, attending Sunday School, at Central Baptist Church, where he was part of the Baptist Training Union and other activities at Central.
Gerald was educated in the Baltimore City public school system. He was an honor student at Carver Vocational Technical High School, taking honors classes at Baltimore Community College. Upon Graduation, he received a 2 year degree at Baltimore Community College in Baltimore, MD.
In 1967, Gerald enlisted in the United States Army. He was part of that elite team of soldiers called the Green Beret. Gerald served in the Vietnam Campaign. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Badge, Parachute Badge, and Vietnam Service Medal.
When Gerald was Honorably Discharged from military service, he was employed with the State of Maryland. Gerald retired after 20 years of service.
Gerald was passionate about life. He loved spending time with his family and friends, listening and dancing to great music, particularly, Motown.
Gerald leaves to celebrate his life, his younger brother, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and church members. A very special Thank you to Holly’s Haven Assistant Living. That team of health care providers who cared for Gerald, not as a client, but as family member. I could never thank them enough for their love, compassion, commitment and trust and comfort they gave my brother during his last days!
The family would like to thank everyone for their continuous prayers and support.
Words of Remembrance From Kareem Ali
Of everyone I know, Gerald was the one who could make an entrance into a room and have everybody take notice within minutes of him walking in. His natural confidence always won people over. Despite his successes or failures in life, he never took himself too seriously, and much of his style and down-to-earth sophistication fueled a caring heart and an every ready desire to help any and all who were in need. The memories of his spirit, strengthens and surrounds me in this difficult time.
Gerald Williams, born October 15, 1948, he was my genuine big brother. He loved his family, he was the intelligent one of us siblings, and he was a risk-taker, I guess that’s what drove him to join the Army. He was a Green Beret, 173rd Special Forces. I can still see him walking down the street in his Army uniform, with the Airborne insignia, his metals, and wearing those shiny jump boots and the green beret cocked just right on his head. In his Army uniform or suit and tie, or just wearing a sport shirt and jeans, Gerald was always styling and profiling and flashing a smile.
Gerald loved life, may it be a social gathering with friends or family, he made time. He stayed in contact with all the family. May it be birthdays or anniversaries or just calling to hear how everybody is doing, he was always encouraging and a great support to us all.
Gerald’s health declined over the years and before he was called home, he received excellent health care from Holly’s Haven Assistant Living. They treated my brother like he was part of their family. Gerald rested from his labor on August 22, 2021. And if I could have spoken to him before his passing, I would have told him:
Gerald, you showed me a lot of things.
I learned a lot I didn’t know,
But you forgot to teach me one last thing –
How to let you go.
I know you didn’t mean to leave me;
Sometimes we have no choice.
I miss being your little brother,
Hearing my name called by your voice.
I wish I got to say “I Love You”
Before you were given to the sky.
If God could grant me one last wish,
I’d ask to say “Goodbye.”
You always meant a lot to me.
I could never love you less,
I know it’s true when they say,
“He only takes the best.”
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald?
Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald make you smile?
