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| Edwin Eugene Williams | Family Record | |
| James Pettyway? | ||
| Callie Pettyway | Family Record | |
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 30 APR 1914 | Place: Houston, TX
|
| Death | 13 OCT 1986 | Place: Chicago, IL
|
(Taken from press release and funeral service program)
EDWIN EUGENE WILLIAMS, SR. April 30, 1914 - October 13, 1986
EDWIN EUGENE WILLIAMS was bom on April 30, I914 to John and Callie (Petteway) Williams in Houston Texas. He had one brother, Walter (Willie) Williams.
His family moved to Chicago in 1921 when he was seven years old and he attended the Keith Elementary School.
Because his mother was visually impaired, and unable to work, Edwin began working at a young age to support his family. Upon graduating from grammar school he attended Tilden Technical High SchooL He was agile, strong and very athletic, but because he always had to work to support his family, he never had the opportunity to participate in sports.
While still a teenager, he met and fell in love with Allene Tyler. They were married on June 22, 1932, Their bond was strong, and lasted for fifty-four years, until his death.
As a young man he was a hard worker, holding several jobs. His face was familiar to the men who worked at the South Water Market as well as the Chicago Park District.
He joined the Chicago Fire Department in 1943 as a member of Engine Co. 19. In his early years as a firefighter, he also worked on Engine 16 and Truck 11. He earned the distinction of being the departments first Black instructor, training new firefighters in the use of equipment.
In 1952 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to Hook and Ladder Co. 11. Edwin climbed the ladder of command at the Chicago Fire Department through the following ranks: Captain, 1954; Battalion Chief, 1962; Division Fire Marshall, 1964; Second Deputy Fire Marshall, 1966; First Deputy Fire Marshall, 1973.
From 1974 to 1978, 1st Deputy Fire Marshall Edwin Williams and Ist Deputy Fire Marshall William Foley a1tenated in the capacity of acting Chief Fire Marshall. As First Deputy Fire Marshall, Edwin was called on to respond to the 1argest fires of the entire Chicago area.
For each examination which he took toward his promotions, when the list was posted, Edwin's name was always within the top twenty.
When he retired in April of 1978, Edwin had attained the highest rank of any Black in the 114 years which Blacks have been in the Chicago Fire Department.
Edwin is survived by his loving wife Allene, his seven children, Edwin, Jr., Sgt. Chicago Police Dept; Allen, Lt. Chicago Fire Dept.; Helen Williams teacher--Chicago Public Schools; Thelma English, teacher--Chicago Public Schools; Matlyn Lee, teacher--Chicago Public Schools; James, RR Donnelley & Sons Co,; and Richard; Lt. Chicago Fire Dept., as well as 22 grandchildren, 14 great-granddhildren and a host of relatives and friends.
We love him very much. He will be missed by us all.
Members of the CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT were pallbearers at the funeral and his body was carried to it's final resting place on a Chicago Fire Truck.
He died on Monday October 13th 1986, of Cancer (Lymphoma), at the Americana Monticello Nursing Home in Oak lawn IL. He was 72 years old at the time of his death. His funeral was held at the Griffin Funeral Home, 3232 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago IL. His body lay in state, Thursday October 16th, 1986, 12 noon until 8:00 pm. Visitation with the Family was 6:00 pm.until 8:00 pm. Funeral Services were held on Friday Octoiber 17th at 11 am. He is buried at Lincoln Cemetery at 123rd and Kedzie, Blue Island, Illinois. (Street Address is officially listed at 119th and Kedzie).
Notes by Eric J. Williams
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