Editor, State Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, and I first met more than 50 years ago at his grandparents’ house in Midway. The Knights of Pythias wanted us to meet and spend seven days together because they felt we both were anointed by God to accomplish great things.
Recently, I was truly honored to pay Al tribute when he celebrated more than 50 years of service to the men, women and children of the great state of Georgia.
As children, we both made a vow to God that we would always stand up for what we believe in, no matter what troubles came our way. Al Williams was the first person to put a Bible in my hand and explain it to me. He ran a prayer circle where children would all pray at the same time in four different states. His room was anointed with a special spirit that you could feel. I also spent time in isolation, meditation and training with his grandmother, Mrs. Shipman.
Al was in the NAACP, and I was in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He was a loyal Democrat, and I was a Reagan man. He ran Liberty County, but I was born here, too. We both worked on getting a ban lifted so the new Midway Middle and Liberty County elementary schools could be built.
I was truly impressed when Al was first elected state representative and walked into our state capital in a position of power and authority. It spoke volumes about his accomplishments over the years.
I stood side-by-side with Al and his wife, Olivia, in Congressman Jack Kingston’s Office during the inauguration of President Barrack Obama. Ever since that day, all I can say about Al Williams is that I find no fault with him.
Al has extended his hand in friendship, and we’ve reached agreement to work on something together for the first time in more than 50 years. Its impact will be significant to our nation’s future.
The last time Al Williams and I broke bread together was more than 50 years ago at his grandmother’s house. Mrs. Shipman baked us buttermilk biscuits with so much tender, loving care that they tasted like sunshine.
Congratulations, Al.
— Ted Harris, Midway