Mr. A. D. Williams, Sr.

1925-2022

Mr. A.D. Williams, Sr. was born Ardifene Delano Williams on December 9, 1925 to the late Nathan and Bessie Allen Williams of Lake Providence, LA.  He joined his family of two brothers, Nathan "Buddy", Jr. and Charlie; one sister, Henrietta.

He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army where he received an Honorable Discharge.  A.D.  attended the public schools of East Carroll Parish and matriculated to Southern University A & M to received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Arts.  He later received a Master of Education Degree from San Diego State and furthered studied at UCLA.  While attending Southern, he joined the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

On July 3, 1949, he married Elizabeth "Bea" Jackson and together they raised four children:  Alpheaus, Ardifene, Jr., Antonio and Valerie; three children of relatives:  Sejeanie, Demetrisus and Dwight.

A.D. taught at Rayne Colored High School immediately after college.  He later moved to Claiborne Parish to accept the Shop Teacher's position at Woodson High School.  During his tenure in the school system, he also served as Supervisor and Adult Education Director.  After retiring from Claiborne Parish School System, he later was employed at the Haynesville Housing Authority for 32 years, retiring in 2020.  While in Haynesville, he joined the Friendship Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. W. L. Brannon.  Over the years, he has been a Deacon, Usher, Sunday School Teacher and Bible Study Lecturer.

For years, A.D. owned and operated, Williams Grocery, Laundromat, and Antique Shop and has been an advocate in the community for years:  Community Improvement Organization, Claiborne Parish School Board Member, Claiborne Parish Police Jury, Claiborne Parish Technical  School Advisory Committee, Louisiana Region Seven Technical Advisory Committee, Louisiana Housing Council, and National Association of Housing and Development Officials and Claiborne Parish Industrial Development Foundation.  He has been honored as Claiborne Parish Educator of the Year, Fourth District Educator of the Year, spotlighted by the Shreveport Times for Outstanding Work in Industrial Education, Northwestern State University Nth Degree (extra mile in meritorious service and devotion to educating others), Woodson Alumni Association Grand Marshal and Honoree, KTBS Hometown Patriot and a book about his life in Haynesville, "Trailblazer", written by Mrs. Linda Knox.

Leaving to cherish his memory: children, Alpheaus Williams, Ardifene "Weedy" Williams, Jr. (Deborah), Antonio "Marco "Williams, (Louise), Valerie Paschal and Dwight Paschal; grandchildren, great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.