George Williams

On April 27, 2017, George Leon Williams, 77, passed, surrounded by his immediate family at the Albuquerque Veteran’s Administration Hospital MICU.

George was born on July 25, 1939 in Sedalia, Missouri as one of eight children born to the late Addison M. and Drennon Nuel (Holmes) Williams, and he is survived by two (2) siblings: Estella L. Adams, of Alhambra, CA and Addison M. Williams, Jr. of Jefferson City, Mo. George graduated from CC Hubbard High School in Sedalia, Mo in 1957 then continued his education at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. He completed his baccalaureate education, receiving a BA in Physics from San Francisco State University in 1962. He earned an MA in Public Administration from UNM in 1972, and an Advanced Executive MBA from Claremont College under Dr. Peter Drucker in 1988.

George began his military career by joining the Air Force ROTC at Lincoln University. After earning his Physics degree he was commissioned into the Officer Corps of the United States Air Force. His 20 years of active duty were primarily in defense research. Though stationed in various US locations, he strategized to spend the majority of his career in Albuquerque to raise his family, and then retire with honors as a Lt. Colonel. The accomplishments he reminisced about included awarding full ROTC college scholarships to bright students throughout the Midwest, running the DIDO Queen project in Nevada, and running the B52 Test Project at Sandia Air Force Base. George continued to work in the private sector of defense industry, ultimately joining Boeing Company for a full second career, first based in the Los Angeles area, followed by a long-term stent in Seattle, WA. George spearheaded the Airborne Laser Project for Boeing and as a Series 7 Boeing Manager with the Defense and Space Group, he opened the Albuquerque Boeing office, which continues to be a going concern for the community. George designed and organized a hot air balloon for Boeing to enter into the International Balloon Fiesta each year and for several autumns, he enjoyed his early morning balloon chase-crew shifts. In his “RE-retirement” from Boeing, George began his consulting business, Williams, LLC to foster entrepreneurship and financial independence for underrepresented groups.

Outside of his professional career, George also led a full life. He loved to entertain and travel. He went to Europe, Indonesia, Canada, and Caribbean, but his favorite destination was Mexico to explore the different regions and its culture. While living in Seattle, he tutored elementary and mid-school aged kids in math, and was founder and president of Puget Sound Council of Black Engineers and Scientists. He was an Alpha phi Alpha fraternity brother, pledging the fraternity in Albuquerque, NM. He was extremely active in the Albuquerque community by working with New Mexico First, taking part in equestrian re-enactments and parades with the Buffalo Soldiers, and even participated in the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Theater productions as a triple-threat performer. One of his latest passions was his daily then later weekly blog, entitled The Owl. As Pulmonary Fibrosis toiled ominously to muffle George’s words and make his world ever smaller, George out-maneuvered it by using his blog to stay connected, expressing his concerns over lasting impacts of political changes he was seeing around the world.

George’s legacy will be his children and grandchildren because above all, family was key. We all were influenced by his strong beliefs in education, empowerment and racial equality. He was proud to say that he diapered each of his grandchildren, but his children and their spouses have the privilege to say that he went far beyond that! He traveled to many corners of the globe to see and stay with his children and their families so that now each of his grandchildren have strong and lasting memories of him. His relentless positive influence and open expression of love will be missed by many. George is survived by his spouse, Arturo (Vela) Williams, his three biological children George L. Williams II, Janeen Anderson, and Dr. Jana Baxter, their mother, Jacqueline Swain, and his two adopted children, Kevin Williams and Gordon Shaw. George’s grandchildren include Kyle and Jill Williams, Ian and Elissa Anderson, Scott and Sydney Baxter, and Deeanna and Ondrae Williams.

His charm allowed him to make friends easily so no one in George’s company remained a stranger for long, then his warm open nature frequently kept them friends for life. Friends and family will remember George for his quick and sharp wit, his passion for politics and economics, speaking his mind, his love of good music (especially jazz and blues), playing poker and chess, and watching C-SPAN and The Nightly Business Report.

We ask that in lieu of flowers, well-wishers consider these suggestions in his memory. The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (pulmonaryfibrosis.org) supports research to help combat this disease and supports other families whose loved ones are suffering. Alternatively, a contribution to either the American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org) or NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6857/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=11632) are ways that would help keep his voice from being silenced.

Because George’s wishes are to have his ashes spread at a San Francisco Bay Area spot that held special meaning to him from his youth, a memorial will be planned for a future date to celebrate George’s life near this location. Contact the immediate family for details through the FRENCH - Westside guestbook or family member social media.

FRENCH - Westside

9300 Golf Course Rd. NW

(505) 897-0300