Edward Vincent Williams

dust.” On September 23rd, 2024, Edward Vincent Williams (AKA Big Ed) of Raleigh, North

Carolina, told his last wildly inappropriate story, drifted off this mortal coil, and moved on to

greener pastures. He was relieved to know that the suspension from high school in 1979 for

skipping class was not, in fact, on his permanent record.

He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas E. Williams with whom he is surely enjoying a

“bat and a ball” over shared stories, and by his faithful companion, a raggedy old German

shepherd named Bones, who is no doubt by his side still.

Arriving on the scene on Long Island in 1962, Ed was destined to be a lawyer. A handsome lad,

he was gifted with charisma, charm, and eloquence. He also sugar coated nothing, never held

back an opinion, and had a knack for telling it like it is. He ultimately used these powers for the

good in his criminal defense practice, helping those in trouble with the law because, in his own

words, “Everyone deserves the best legal defense possible.”

Ever the center of attention and skilled orator, Big Ed customarily, tirelessly, and selflessly

entertained his family and friends with colorful stories and jokes until the wee hours of the

morning. Whether we wanted him to or not.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, his love for the Buckeyes was unsurpassed. Unless he

was in court, and taking fashion advice from exactly no one, he was never seen in anything but

Ohio State regalia. Consistent until the end, he was wearing his favorite OSU golf shirt when he

passed.

Ed did have a second love: NASCAR! Racing seemed to be in his blood, as he once owned a

Trans Am with a license plate that read, “1 Fast Ed.” It is also no secret that he had in his

possession a life-size cardboard cutout of Dale Ernhardt and considered Ernhardt’s death a

dark day in American history.

Although he had a less than average life span, Big Ed did not live an average life. He had an

energy that entered the room before he did. There was an enormous life force about him; he

was loud and funny and fun. He lived life on his own terms, ate all the food, drank all the drinks,

and loved with his whole heart.

Ed is survived by his mother Barbara (Bobbie) Mae Nilan Williams, his much older brother,

Thomas E. Williams Jr., sister-in-law, Donna Williams, his favorite sister, Laura Jean Williams,

numerous nieces and nephews who will hold “Uncle Fun” in their collective memories, and his

long-time love, Michelle Feldner who stayed by his side throughout the difficult last months.

No service is planned. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you fill a glass with

your favorite beverage and tell your best “Ed” story.

Big Ed, the world is less colorful without you in it. You will be missed.