Williams: 'The very best of what Weldon City Schools stands for'

Details: Lance Martin; News; 10 September 2024; 3378

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On and off the playing field, James Alfred “Tank” Williams Sr. made an impact on the people he met, friends and colleagues said Monday.

On Saturday, Williams, chairman of the Weldon City Schools Board of Education, died at home.

“Mr. Williams dedicated a significant portion of his life to Weldon City Schools,” the school system said in a statement. “He retired after a long and distinguished career but continued to serve our district tirelessly for many years on our board of education. A man of unwavering commitment, he represented the very best of what Weldon City Schools stands for and was an advocate without parallel for our students, teachers, and community.”

(A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the chapel of HD Pope Funeral Home, 520 Smith Church Road in Roanoke Rapids. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Weldon, which is located at 301 West Third Street. In addition to the funeral arrangements, the family is inviting the community to attend a balloon release in his honor Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Joseph P. Cotton Field on the campus of Weldon High School)

The school system said, “His legacy will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our school district, and it’s impossible to put into words how much he will be missed by all who knew and worked with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family during this difficult time. Let us all take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the immense positive influence Mr. Williams had on our community and in our lives.”

Weldon High School football coach Levern Bynum said, "I was saddened to hear about the passing of coach James ‘Tank’ Williams. I had the pleasure of experiencing his dedication to sports and his commitment to his players. He made a positive impact on many lives, both on and off the field. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him during this difficult time."

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Former New England Patriot and former Weldon High School football standout Cedric Jones said Williams and his brothers Charles and Otis were the first family he met when he moved to town. “Tank was an honor student in my father's drafting class at Weldon High School and an outstanding football and baseball player.”

Williams, Jones said, “Was a friend, mentor, and hero to me. He was a very intelligent, kind man, with a giving soul. I remember watching him play football at Fayetteville State University. His performance against Elizabeth City State University inspired me to play college football.”

That inspiration would later lead Jones to ask Williams to be the first person to serve on his You Can Too Foundation. “He said yes, without hesitation. I will miss Tank's deep voice, his intelligence, his sage advice, but mostly, his friendship over the years. God would have a very difficult time finding another servant better than Tank Williams.”

Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant described Williams as a very honorable person.”He was a man of integrity and morals. He loved his God, family and community. His passing is very hard for me personally because Tank was my good friend and confidant. I and others will miss him. However, I will treasure our relationship forever.”

Tiffany Hale, the vice chair of the Weldon City Schools Board of Education, said the death of Williams is a loss for the school district and the community.

“Mr. James ‘Tank’ Williams’ passing has affected me in a way I wouldn’t have even thought,” Hale said. “Although I knew he was ill, I guess I really hadn’t fully accepted it since it happened all so fast.”

She said Williams started out as her physical education teacher and athletic director. He became an employee she supervised and then a colleague on the school board. “Mr. Williams was a man who truly loved Weldon and wanted to see the best in our district. I am really going to miss working and collaborating with him.”

Hale recalls the last two conversations she had with her colleague, one as recent as just a little over two weeks ago when gave her specific orders to carry out. “Instead of me leading with encouraging words, he instead led with much encouragement for me and although he was pushing himself, I knew he meant business. His favorite saying to me was ‘It’ll be alright Ms. Tiffany’ no matter what was going on.”

Said Hale: “Coach Tank has hurt me with his absence, but the race must go on and be won. I’m a little speechless which is rare, but I personally thank his wife, children, and grandchildren for lending him to us as well. Well done Coach Tank. Your race has been won. May you rest in perfect peace.”

TAGS: halifaxcountynews, weldonnews, weldoncityschools, weldoncityschoolsboardofeducation, tankwilliams

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