Otis Alexander Williams Sr.

Published 2:44 pm Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Otis Alexander Williams Sr. passed away on March 7, 2025, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson. He was born to Alex Williams and Louise Mataham April 13, 1932, in Mayersville, Mississippi. After graduating from high school, Mr. Williams joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he rose to the rank of specialist.

After Army service, Mr. Williams enrolled at Southern University in Baton Rouge. He would graduate with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education degree in biology and general science.

While at Southern University, Mr. Williams met Odessa Gaines, who he would marry in 1960. Their union would produce two beautiful children, Dr. Otis Alexander Williams Jr. and Dr. Opal Williams White.

Mr. Williams started his career as a biology and science teacher. He then became assistant principal at South Vicksburg High School and Vicksburg Junior High School. Mr. Williams would go on to become principal at Vicksburg Middle School.

Throughout his life, Mr. Williams was highly active in the Vicksburg community. He served on numerous commissions and governing boards. At his death, Mr. Williams served as vice chairman of the Vicksburg Bridge Commission of Warren County.

Mr. Williams leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Odessa Gaines Williams; daughter, Opal Williams White and son-in-law Kenneth Carl White of Lawrenceville, Georgia; sisters, Louise McClendon of Detroit and Perlie B. Williams of Vicksburg. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his son, Otis Alexander Williams Jr., and brothers, Willie Chatman, Hezekiah, Banks, Scott William, Dave Williams, Odie Williams, and Alex Williams Jr. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends remember Mr. Williams.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Mt. Calvary M.B. Church, 1350 East Ave., Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180. Arrangements by Dillon-Chisley Funeral Home.