Oscar James Williams

Oscar James Williams, Jr. (81) of Fort Washington, MD Oscar James Williams, Jr. was born on November 17, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama, to O.J. and Mamie Verdell Edwards Williams, along with his older sister, Carolyn. After his father’s passing, the family moved to Canton, Ohio, which became home to many Edwards family members during the early 1950s. There, Mamie married Cleveland Waters, and the family grew to include Oscar’s brother, Clifford. Oscar graduated from McKinley High School in Canton in 1961 and went on to earn a degree in accounting from Central State University in 1965. He remained a proud graduate and lifelong supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, crediting Central State with providing lifelong friendships, exemplary mentors, and the foundation of his professional excellence. In July 1966, Oscar married Marilyn Watts, whom he had met on a blind date only months earlier. Their marriage became a 59-year adventure. As newlyweds, they spent two years in Germany while Oscar served in the U.S. Army. Upon returning to Cleveland in 1968, they began their family. His career would take them to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, and Tampa, Florida, before settling in Maryland in 2022 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Along the way, Oscar traveled widely across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Family was the cornerstone of Oscar’s life. His relationships with his cousins were like those of siblings, and he and Marilyn passed these values to their children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Their home was always open, and summers often meant extended family joining in to share the love, laughter, and lessons of life together. As parents, they instilled in their daughters the values of love, respect, integrity, and hard work. A lifelong sports fan, Oscar proudly cheered for the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Ohio State football, no matter where he lived. He also enjoyed track and field, boxing, tennis, and his lifelong love of jazz. Oscar was the ultimate “girl dad,” encouraging his daughters to dream boldly and pursue their goals. He delighted in the accomplishments of his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, while also celebrating the triumphs of extended family and friends. He valued lifelong friendships—remaining close to his Central State classmates and his college roommate Tyrone Dickerson and his longtime business partners in St. Thomas, Alphonso LaBorde and Dan Montegue. He was a devoted uncle, cousin, and nephew who gave his time and heart generously. On August 12, 2025, Oscar passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and the sound of jazz. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marilyn Watts Williams; daughters Stephanie Williams, Leslie (Erik) Williams Newman, Shelly Gray, and Tracy Williams; and grandchildren Jordan Williams (Rebecca), Sidney Gray, and Madison Gray. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Terry (George), sister-in-law Suzanne Probst, aunt Doris Edwards (Henry), cousin Juanita Chase (Paul), and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Clifford. Oscar will be remembered for his deep love of family, his loyalty to friends, and his steady encouragement of everyone fortunate enough to be in his circle. His love will live on in all of us. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Central State University, Class of 1966. Friends may visit with the family Friday, September 19th for the Memorial Service, 11:00 am at Forest Heights Baptist Church, 6371 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Oscar James Williams

November 17, 1943 - August 12, 2025