HAMLET — Herman Adam Williams Sr., 84, of Hamlet, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2020 at Pinehurst Health & Rehab in Pinehurst.
He was born was in Anson County on June 27, 1935, a son of the late William P. and Lela Ricketts Williams.
Mr. Williams was U.S. Army veteran and a 32nd Degree Mason.
He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church in Rockingham, where he served as chairman of the Board of Deacons and a Sunday school teacher.
He graduated from N.C. State University, Appalachian State State University, UNC Charlotte, where he earned a Bachelors, Masters and an Ed.S degrees. He started his career teaching ICT at Hamlet
High School, where he coached the golf team and won the North Carolina State Championship, even though he never played a game of golf in his life.
He became the principal at Hamlet High School in 1969 and served as the school’s last principal. He became the first principal at Richmond Senior High School in 1972, bringing the school to No. 1 in the state both academically and in athletics within the first three years.
He became associate superintendent of Richmond County Schools in 1981 and served in that position for 10 years before becoming superintendent. He served as superintendent of Richmond County Schools for nine years until his retirement. After his retirement, he served on Richmond County Board of Education for four years.
Herman was a member of National Beta Club, serving for 42 years and served as National Beta Club Board of Directors chairman for three terms. He served as chairman of the Richmond County Smart Start Board of Directors for several years.
His love for children was the driving force behind his years of service.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a private graveside service this week in the Mausoleum Chapel at Richmond Co. Memorial Park with Masonic rites.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Eleanor; children, Herman Adam Williams Jr (Judy), Michael David Williams, all of Hamlet, and Margaret Catherine Williams of the home; grandchildren, Alexandria W. Merriett (Mason) of Jacksonville and Noah Thomas Williams of Hamlet; great-grandchildren, Amelia Clark Merriett, Nova Sage Merriett, Olivia Noel Merriett, Brady Allen Merriett, and Kaleb Adam Williams; brothers; Sam P.Williams Jr. of Fayetteville, Robert E. Williams (Phyllis)of Walkertown, and the Rev. Donald Wayne Williams (Ruth) of McBee, South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Tyler Adam Williams; a sister, Katharine Williams Napper; and brothers, James Madison Williams and Julian Benjamin Williams.
Memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice 1119 US Hwy. 1 N., Rockingham, NC 28379; Salvation Army USA, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314; or Heritage Baptist Church 1301 S. Long Drive Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com.
Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Williams family.
