Mr. Clarence Delmus Williams

Clarence Delmus Williams, 85, husband of Sally Lynn Belk Williams, of Salem, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at his home. A native of Manchester, GA, Mr. Williams was the son of the late Roy Richard and Ethel Bonneal Oliver Williams. In addition to his wife, Mr. Williams is survived by his son Delmus Williams Jr., daughter Georgia Dunn, son Hague Williams, 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Mr. Williams was a Marine and Vietnam veteran with an exemplary military career of 20 years. He enlisted in 1957, graduated from Officers Candidate School in 1963 and participated in a historic time in history being part of the first troops landing in Vietnam in 1965. He advanced to and graduated from Officer’s Candidate School very early, a feat extremely rare in the military field. Del retired as a Major with multiple achievements and honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and several Unit Citations. After his retirement, he was active in the Oconee County’s Lewis G Watkins Marine Corps League Detachment #1131 and was a founding member and officer of his unit’s Forgotten Warrior organization, where he reconnected with his friends and fellow marines while giving honor to their fallen comrades. Once retired from the military he chose to move to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina where he continued his education at Appalachian state and raised his family with his first wife Donnella Briggs. Mr. Williams began a second career as the Chief detective for Watauga County sheriff's department, Boone NC. He was an advocate for victims and families and took great pride in helping them. Del was driven by his belief in the ideals of justice, equality and truth. He met his second wife Sally Belk during his time in Boone. They shared an instant connection because of their common work in the social field. After retiring from the police department and social work, they chose to live on Lake Keowee. Del was extremely proud of building his own home on a lake, where he could fulfill a lifelong love of fishing. They had found their perfect spot. While living in Salem SC he started a third career as the Chief of Police for the town of Salem. He also held numerous other leadership positions working in public service. Del found his calling in giving back to his community and he was a natural leader and mentor. With his work with Toys for Tots, the Lewis G Watkins Memorial and as a high school resource officer, he touched the lives of many who benefited from what he was passionate about and loved to do. From an early age, Del was fascinated with history. So impressed with his thirst for knowledge, Del’s high school teacher made him an assistant teacher, a title not normally afforded to a member of the class. Del was fortunate to travel all over the world during his career and after. He and Sally enjoyed multiple trips to Europe, the Panama Canal and throughout the United States. Del forged friendships easily and valued those friendships dearly. Some friendships he maintained over his whole life, each connection meaning the world to him. Most importantly, Del would want people to know the importance of family and having an unwavering faith. Through his example, he passed his Christian faith on to his children. Memorial services will be conducted at 3:00 PM, Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Charles McGee Byrd, Post 120 Hut.American Legion, Fairplay St., Seneca SC. The family will receive friends after the service In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lewis G. Watkins Detachment #1131 with the registration number P-11254.

Mr. Clarence Delmus Williams

January 25, 1938 - March 15, 2023