Chattanooga is mourning the loss of Judge Walter F. Williams, a towering figure in the city’s legal, civic and spiritual life, who passed away on Friday, August 8, at age 73.
Judge Williams, who presided over Chattanooga City Court from 1991 to 2003, was remembered in recent days as more than a respected jurist. He was, community leaders say, a mentor, innovator and compassionate advocate who left an indelible mark on the city that raised him.
“Judge Williams is a legend in Chattanooga’s legal community and Chattanooga’s Black community, and his reach extended far beyond both,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “He was ahead of the curve on efforts to prevent violence and recidivism by focusing on rehabilitation when it was appropriate. I hope his family and friends can find comfort in the knowledge that he blazed a trail for future generations and changed countless lives for the better while our community was lucky enough to have him.”
For many, his impact also extended into the personal. John Edwards III, founder and publisher of the Chattanooga News Chronicle (CNC) and a longtime family friend, recalled both relying on Williams as his attorney and admiring him as a man.
“Walter had a way of making you feel like you mattered, no matter who you were or where you stood in life,” Edwards said. “He believed deeply in justice but also in mercy–and when you sat across from him, you knew he truly cared. For me, he wasn’t just a lawyer or a judge; he was a brother, a confidant, and a constant reminder of what service looks like. Judge Walter Williams was a rare individual. He was respected by his peers as well as people from all social and economic levels. His friends, of which he had many, addressed him as Judge Williams at professional and community events. However, at social events and the local watering holes, he was just “Walter”. He was witty, and humorous, and could light up any room with his charm and personality. My father and I were represented by Attorney Williams in several legal matters. I am happy to say, ‘we always won!’. The Edwards family will always treasure his friendship and words of wisdom.
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center called him “a man whose life’s work was a testament to the power of education, service, and faith.”
Chief Justice Robert Benham, Supreme Court of Georgia (Retired) was deeply saddened when his cousin, CNC Executive Editor, Faith Edwards shared with him the news of Judge Williams’ death on August 8th. Justice Benham commented the following:
“Walter was a brilliant, admirable, capable, attorney and judge. He was a valued colleague and one whose wit and wisdom I could always depend on. We debated, argued, and laughed together! He was a good friend and I recall he even invited me to come up and speak at his church. My wife, Nell and I are saddened to hear the news of his passing. Please extend our condolences to Mrs. Gwen (the Love of his Life) and family. The world is a better place because of the service of The Honorable Walter F. Williams”.
Born July 20, 1952, in Chattanooga’s Westside housing projects, Williams rose from humble beginnings to become an honors graduate of Morehouse College–where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa–and Howard University School of Law, where he was named an Earl Warren Fellow. After beginning his career in Atlanta with the IRS Regional Counsel’s Office, he returned to Chattanooga to practice law before ultimately winning his seat on the City Court bench in 1991.
Judge Williams quickly became known for his firm but creative approach. He established Chattanooga’s first Environmental Court docket, raised compliance with housing codes and litter laws, and even required defendants to complete their education–resulting in nearly 900 GEDs earned under his watch. Behind his rulings was an unshakable belief that “education is the key to success.”
His colorful personality, wit, and innovative sentences also became community legend, from ordering a man to turn his Morehouse T-shirt inside-out for behavior unbecoming of the school, to admonishing confused lawyers with quips about what name would appear on a tombstone.
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Williams taught at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, served as a deacon at First Baptist Church on East Eighth Street, and championed scholarship efforts through 100 Black Men of Chattanooga, helping direct more than $250,000 toward student awards.
His guiding principle was summarized in his life’s motto: “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”
Judge Williams is survived by his loving wife Gwendolyn; daughters Hillary and Heather; his only grandson and pride and joy Trey; brother Jackie (Pinky); sister-in-law Gracie Guerry; brother-in-law Ronald (Patricia) McIntosh and a host of amazing, wonderful and glorious nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones, as well as members of his beloved community.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 20, at First Baptist Church on East Eighth Street, officiated by the Rev. Dr. William Terry Ladd, III, with arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home.
As the city remembers him, Judge Williams’ legacy is perhaps best expressed not in accolades or offices held, but in the lives he touched. As Chronicle Publisher John Edwards, III puts it, “Walter lived his life so that his work spoke for him. And the truth is, it still does.”