SGM Joseph Harold Williams, Sr. (Retired), age 87, of Edgewood, Maryland passed away on November 30, 2021 at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, he was the son of Joe and Corine (Brookshire) Williams. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served his country during the Vietnam War.  

Joseph attended Central Colored High School and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He was drafted into the Army in 1955 and retired after 30 years of service. He worked an additional 13 years as Chief Instructor of Project Sword with the Civil Service. After his second retirement he became an instructor for the Maryland Freestate Challenge at APG and he taught GED classes at the Harford County Detention Center. He achieved an A.A. degree from Central Texas College and a B.S. degree from University of Maryland. 

Joseph was a Mason, a member of VFW Post 6054 serving as Post Adjutant. He attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he was a member of the choir. He loved playing racquetball and enjoyed running. 

During his military service he received the following decorations, medals and badges; Legion of Merit, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Angelika (Brandt) Williams; sons, Joseph Harold Williams Jr. and Marcus Wolfgang Williams (Monica) of Edgewood, MD; sister Bennie Mae Moore (James); grandchildren, Katrina Salas of Indianapolis, IN, Technical Sergeant Joseph H. Williams III, serving in Germany, Kiana HR Williams of Edgewood, MD, Marcus W. Williams, Jr. of Cranston, RI, Mariah A. Williams, of Edgewood, MD, Aria A. Gelina of Edgewood, MD and Gibson I. Gelina of Dallas, TX.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Josephine (Williams) Goins.

Interment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. 

Donations may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Havre de Grace, MD (410) 939-1294