Marshall Wood Williams

A Life Well Lived Marshall Wood Williams Sr. was born on July 11, 1932, in Mt. Olivet, KY, to the late Charles and Lida Williams. A cherished member of our community, Marshall departed from us on April 30, 2025. He was loved by family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Wherever he went, Marshall brought humor, laughter, and joy. He was often heard saying his favorite line: "Help me tell a lie." At a young age, Marshall gave his life to Christ and always emphasized his love for Jesus. Growing up in Mt. Olivet, Marshall attended Mason County High School. Although he did not graduate at the time, he proudly earned his GED from Princeton High School in 2010. In 1953, at the age of 22, he joined the U.S. Army and served for two years, during which he was deployed to the Korean War. He was honorably discharged due to illness. Following his military service, Marshall attended the Imperial Detective Academy in 1963, which led him to a career as a Private Investigator. He worked for a private detective company for 13 years. Marshall's dedication to his work was matched only by his devotion to his family. He married Mildred Spratley in 1955, and together they raised eight children: Michael Spratley, Barbara Williams, Marshall Williams Jr., Andrew L. Williams, and Robert E. Williams (all of whom preceded him in death), along with Betty Williams, Ronald Williams (Johnnie), and Sharon Walker (Wayne), who were the pride and joy of his life. Later in life, Marshall welcomed additional children into his family: Dorothy Clemons, Garcia Beckett, Mohammad Ali Meatchem, Jacqueline Ennis, and Tyrone Craig. He was a devoted father who created lasting memories that will be cherished forever. Beyond his professional and family life, Marshall was an active member of the community. He was a devoted member of the Masonic Fraternity, where he achieved the 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite, and he was also a member of the Shriners Temple. His lifetime memberships included the Disabled American Veterans, National Rifle Association of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ohio Rifle & Pistol Association, Korean War Veterans Association, American Legion, American Civil Liberties Union, National Small Business Association, National Police & Fire Fighters Association, International Association of Investigators & Special Police Inc., National Police Hall of Fame, and National Advisory Board. Marshall believed deeply in giving back and supporting those in need. His efforts helped countless individuals, and his legacy of compassion and generosity will be remembered by all who were touched by his kindness. Marshall's presence brought light and warmth to everyone he met. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, yet we find comfort knowing his spirit lives on in the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the love he shared. Marshall Wood Williams Sr. is survived by his daughters Betty Williams, Sharon Walker (Wayne), Jacqueline Ennis, Garcia Beckett, and Dorothy Clemons; his sons Ronald Williams (Johnnie), Tyrone Craig, and Mohammad Ali Meatchem; and his sisters Margaret Helen Williams and Barbara Williams. He is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, his special friend Naomi Byrd, and many other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, Charles and Lida; and siblings George, Raymond, Edith, Kizzie, Louis, Charles Nelson, Herbert, Dorothy, Edward, Mary Alice, Evelyn, Leonard, Francis, and Anna Ruth. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well lived-a man who made the world a better place through his actions and his heart. Rest in peace, Marshall. Your journey has touched so many lives, and your memory will forever be a beacon of love and inspiration. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Visitation is from 9:30 am until 10:30 am, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home - Butler County, 532 S. Second Street, Hamilton (45011). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 10:30 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind. Interment will follow at Butler County Memorial Park, 4570 Trenton Oxford Road, Hamilton, Ohio 45011. To share a memory of Marshall or leave a special message for the Williams family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post." Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Williams family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marshall Wood Williams, please visit our floral store.