Dexter Williams of Greenwood is remembered by many as one heck of a player, but those who knew him well remember the former Greenwood High School standout was much more.
Williams died at age 45 Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016. His family said Williams had been battling a heart condition for the last 10 years.
“Dexter was always a great guy, full of life. He was energetic and hard working, the kind of teammate you would want,” said Greenwood’s Carlos Bonner, who played with Williams at GHS, MDCC and DSU.
Williams, a 1990 graduate of Greenwood High School, was a three-year starter at linebacker for the Bulldogs as he helped guide the team to back-to-back Class 5A state title games in 1987 and 1988. GHS went 33-5 during Williams’ three-year career with the Bulldogs.
“Dexter was a great teammate and an awesome linebacker,” said Melvin Smith, his former defensive coach at GHS and now the defensive coordinator at Louisiana Lafayette. “I can tell you the best thing about him was he was a joy to coach.”
Former GHS head coach David Bradberry said Williams was the kind of player every coach wants.
“He had great toughness and intensity. You could always count on him. He was the kind of guy you wanted on your team,” he said.
Williams played two years at Mississippi Delta Community College before closing out his football career at Delta State University. He was named Gulf South Conference player of the week once during his time with the Statesmen.
Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday at Century Funeral Home, followed by family hour from 6 to 7 p.m. The body will be at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday.
