Harrison Ross Mortuary

Message From Family

The family of Claude Williams Jr. would like to thank you for the many acts of loving-kindness shown to us during our bereavement. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered.

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Claude Williams Jr. was born August 3, 1937, in Marshall, TX into the family of Claude Williams and Ruth Lee High. Claude was the second of eight children. He was baptized at an early age at Gainesville Baptist Church.

He moved from Marshall to Dallas, TX where he attended Booker T. Washington High School and later moved to the community of Como in Fort Worth, TX where he met and married the love of his life of nearly 62 years, Havoline Nolly. Into this union, they welcomed a daughter, Carolyn J. Williams and a son, Anthony J. Williams.

In December of 1972, Claude relocated his family to Los Angeles, CA. At that time, he joined Mt. Carmel Holy Assembly Baptist Church under the leadership of his brother-in-law, Reverend James W. Richardson, where he would occasionally attend over the years.

Throughout his life, Claude worked as a Job Recruiter for Community Action Agency (Ft. Worth, TX), Plumber (Ft. Worth, TX and Los Angeles, CA for Hughes Aircraft) and Custodian (Ft. Worth, TX and Los Angeles, CA). In 2000, Claude retired as a Custodian from the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Claude was affectionately known to family and friends by multiple names, including Joe (Joe Louis), Mohawk (Hawk for short), Big Man and Baby. He was known for giving almost everyone he met a nickname, as well as telling jokes, sharing recipes and imparting his wisdom through advice. His favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing and beating his opponents in dominoes. Claude also delighted in reading, particularly his Bible on a daily basis.

He departed this life on August 30, 2019. Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers: Alonzo Williams of Dallas, TX, Carl Williams of Pomona, CA; and sister Shirley Williams of Apple Valley, CA.

He leaves to cherish his many memories, his wife Havoline Williams, children: Carolyn Miller, and Anthony Williams; grandchildren: Andrew Ross (Porsha), Creshanda Crockett (Christopher), Terrica Miller, Sterling Miller (Jade); great-grandchildren: Brezae, Rain, Amire, Canaan, Teal, Jourâ��Nee, Charis, Cyan and Carlyn. He will be sorely missed by his sisters: Frankie Gilmore of Perris, CA, Roma Womack of Corona, CA, Connie Hill of Dallas, TX, and Blondell Williams of CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.