Bennie M. Williams

Bennie Myles Williams, the beloved and only child of Maj. Bennie Mathew Williams and Wilhelmina Toney, was born on March 20,1958, and entered peacefully into eternal rest on Wednesday March 13, 2024. He was loving, kind, generous, loyal, supportive, and faithful. He will be missed beyond measure. Bennie was born in Heidelberg, Germany during one of his father’s tours of duty. He was the center of their world, and they were his. From a very young age Bennie enjoyed being outdoors and learning about nature. His family’s vacations to the beach and their many fishing trips ignited a passion in him that would last a lifetime. After graduating from the Sidwell Friends School, Bennie attended both Dartmouth College and Morehouse College before earning his B.S. in Environmental Science with an A.A.S. in Marine Science from the University of the District of Columbia. Later he would venture into the wilderness with the moose, the bears, and the salmon to attend the University of Alaska at Fairbanks to pursue a graduate degree in Fisheries Management. During his career as a Fishery Biologist Bennie worked for the D.C. Department of Environment, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. He was dedicated to maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and preserving vulnerable species. Bennie had a passion for and was extremely proud of his involvement with programs regarding aquatic resource education, public outreach, boating safety and youth angling. He loved encouraging people, and especially those of color, to get involved in the sciences and enjoy the outdoors. His work with youth fishing programs brought him great joy. Bennie’s career would culminate with 20+ years of service as a Fishery Biologist with the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. However, knowledge of fish wasn’t the only thing Bennie acquired throughout his life. From his beginning until his end, Bennie collected friendships. Lifelong friendships. Friends that became his Brothers and his Sisters, and cousins that became his siblings. He was always there with a shoulder to lean on, or a shoulder to cry on, a joke to make you smile and words of encouragement to help you push through. He prayed with you when he had no answers and he hugged you when he had no words. Always willing to share the life lessons he learned from his parents and the wisdom from his own experiences. His generosity knew no limits, always going above and beyond to help those in need. Bennie was preceded in death by his beloved parents and a host of family and friends who have welcomed him into glory with loving arms. He is survived by two uncles: Herbert O. G. Williams and Christopher T Williams. Cousins who loved him like siblings; Friends who loved him like a brother; God Sons whom he loved and cherished. And many, many others for whom his booming laugh and giant bear hugs, will never be forgotten.

Tributes

Bennie M. Williams

March 20, 1958 - March 13, 2024