Roger A. Williams, 84, of Akron, died at home on October 9, 2020.  He was the patriarch of the Williams family and played his role well, calling to check on relatives and hosting cookouts.  He married Judith E. Anderson and together they shared 49 years of marriage.

He had a kind and gentle spirit and was quick to share his winning smile. He never met a stranger.  He was well respected throughout the community and was a true gentleman, who carried himself with dignity and pride. He loved sports, he played football in high school and college.  He was a standout bowler, coached little league baseball, and was a high school basketball official. He was a diehard Cleveland professional sports fan pulling for the Browns and the Indians.  He was an avid LeBron James fan when he played for the Cavs and then the LA Lakers.  He was very competitive in golf when he was a member of the Tiretown Golf Club of Akron and the Firestone Country Club.

Mr. Williams was a lifelong resident of Akron, and was preceded in death by his daughter, Monique Williams Bradley; parents, Snow and Bertha Williams; sisters, Evelyn Ivory and Dorris Miller; and brother, Lonnie Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Judith; son, Todd A. Williams; sister, Dr. Betty Strawbridge; sisters-in-law’s Eva “Bettye” Anderson, Ann (Charles) Vincent; brother-in-law, Benjamin A. (Razel) Anderson, Jr.; grandsons, Jeremiah and Noah Bradley; granddaughters, Brittney and Taylor Williams; nieces, Marilyn (Ralph Paulk) Miller Paulk, Carol Miller, Dr. Jill (John Mitchell) Strawbridge, and Joan (Gregory) Martinez, Dana (Ted) Sherrer; great-nieces, Gabrielle Sherrer, Terra Roane, Amber Roane, and Ashley Ivory;  nephews, Bruce Ivory, Benjamin A. Anderson III; great-nephews, Theodore Sherrer, Deon Miller, Matthias Miller; goddaughter, Synetra Liggins; and many other loving family members and friends.

Mr. Williams graduated from Garfield High School and served in the U.S. Army before earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron. He received his MBA degree from Baldwin Wallace College. He worked for the U.S. Post Office then worked 29 years as a Systems Analyst for the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, where he retired. He also worked at Sherwin-Williams Corporate Office in Cleveland and was an adjunct professor at the University of Akron and Tri-C (Cuyahoga Community College).

He was a lifelong member of Wesley Temple AME Zion Church where he served on the Steward Board and Foundation.  He was president of the Brotherhood Breakfast, which he started at Wesley Temple, and taught computer classes at the church. He was also named Wesley Temple’s Man of the Year.

Mr. Williams was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and served as a past polemarch. He was a member of the Kappa Foundation and served as chairman of the George C. Miller Scholarship Luncheon on many occasions. He was a member of the NAACP and Toastmasters International