IN LOVING MEMORY OF ERNEST SHARP WILLIAMS

August 24, 1933 – April 17, 2023

Our precious father Ernest “Ernie” Sharp Williams passed away peacefully at his home on April 17th surrounded by family. Ernie was the son of the late Thomas and Amy Williams and spent his childhood in Macon, Mississippi. In 1944 he and his sister Luella (deceased) along with their parents moved to Seattle, Washington, making the Pacific Northwest their permanent home.

Ernie was a longtime member of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 19. Ernie joined the ILWU in 1958 and worked his way through the ranks, starting as a stevedore before moving on to positions of truck driver, crane operator, and checker. Ernie was also a supervisor and trainer. He was highly favored and valued by all who worked with him and had worked on the waterfront for nearly 50 years by the time of his retirement!

Outside of work and family, Ernie was an avid bowler – a member of the first African American bowling league in Seattle called The Gay 40’s from 1963-2010, later changing their name to McKenzie Valley. He also enjoyed fixing things around the house (including his cars), playing the horses, and playing the slot machines.

Ernie leaves to cherish his memory: son Anthony Williams (Linda), daughter Linda Wells (James), daughter Kimberly Williams, son Ernest Williams, son Mark Williams (Lanita), daughter Lakisha Devine (Steve), daughter Jennifer Williams, daughter Jarrita Carter; stepson Michael Henderson; stepson Gregory Dillingham; stepdaughter Karen Taylor; a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, cousins, and many friends.

Viewing: Bonney Watson (Sea-Tac) on Friday, May 5, 1 PM – 4 PM

Funeral: Bonney Watson (Sea-Tac) on Saturday, May 6, Viewing 9 AM – 10 AM; Service 10 AM – 12 PM

Burial: Abbey View Memorial Park (Brier) on Saturday, May 6, 2 PM