Leon Williams was born November 14, 1945 to the late Richard and Willie Mae Lephart. Leon was born and raised in Camden, NJ. He received his education in the Camden Public School System. A 1964 grad of Camden High School, Leon was the first of his siblings to go to and graduate college. He graduated from Rutgers University – Camden, Class of 1976. He majored in Sociology and minored in Business Administration. After graduation from High School, Leon was drafted into the Army, November 1965-1967. Leon was sent to serve in the Vietnam War in 1966-1967 where he was an SP5 Medical Specialist. Leon received two bronze star medals for heroism in combat. Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device [Valor] and Bronze Star Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster. Specialist Williams’ personal bravery and duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Specialist Williams contributed immeasurably to the defeat of Viet Cong Forces.

​Leon worked at the Campbell Soup company for 25 years as Production Supervisor and [then] an Assistant Area Manager prior to retiring in 1990. Leon then started his second career with the Camden Board of Education in their security department for 21 years. This was his way of giving back to the city by being a positive figure to the students of the school system. Leon was there every day ready to give them the benefits of all the knowledge he gained through his college, military and professional experience. The students and staff loved Officer Williams because he was there every day the good Lord allowed him to get up - he was at his post and the staff and students felt safe.

​Leon worshiped his young days at Baptist Temple under Rev. Richardson, Sr. but accepted the Lord into his heart in January 1994 while laying in the hospital waiting for a major operation. The operation was successful, guided by the hands of the Lord, he was fine for 80 years! Leon enjoyed visiting other churches to get his word, but the Lord was in his heart.

​Leon met his beautiful wife Josephine Whidbee and they have been together for over 50 years. Leon had 3 wonderful daughters, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grands. He was extremely proud of his family. Three daughters – all college grads, 4 grands with college degrees, 5 masters and 2 doctorates in the house! He was so proud of all of his family.

He goes on to join his 3 deceased brothers, Charles Herman Williams, Walt Williams and Samuel Williams. He is survived by his wife, Josephine; 3-daughters, Chevalle Phillips (Anthony), Tiffany Jene’ Truitt-Brown (Jason), and Dr. Yolanda L. Whidbee; 6 Grands: Marcus, Kwame, Jada, Imani, Jayden, and Justin; 2 great-grands: Trey and Kendyll Rae; One sister: Christine Wilmer; Three Sisters-in-Law: Delores Williams, Lorine Whidbee, and Diane Brittingham; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and Special 3rd Ward Buddies.

Leon played basketball for Camden High School, “The High” back in 1962-1963 and continued to be an ardent fan of “The High” basketball and football for 40 years. Leon and Josephine would be there along with their special group cheering the teams to victory after victory. It was great to follow the teams almost everywhere they played, they would be there with their CHS shirts and cheering. It made a big difference for those young players to see the “Old Faithful” there cheering them on. “The High” over the years has been #1 in the State and #1 in the Nation and it’s been fun and great.

He is and will certainly be missed, but Leon’s legacy of love, goodness and excellence will shine on through the many lives and generations he’s touched. May God bless and keep his soul.