Peter (Pete) Hines Williams, Jr., former athletic diector, head football coach, head basketball coach, math and physical education teacher, and Chairman of the Physical Education Department at Washington High School and Ligon High School in Raleigh, was born in Raleigh on May 18, 1913 to the late Dr. Peter Hines and Geneva Merrick Williams.

He was he first grandson of the late John Merrick who was one of the founders of N.C. Mutual Life Insurance Company. He attended Crosby-Garfield Elementary School and Washington High School, and received his undergraduate college education at Shaw University, where he excelled in football, basketball, and tennis. He received the B.S. Degree in 1936, and the M.A. Degree from New York University in 1959.

Upon graduation from Shaw, "Pete" set out to make his own mark in the coaching ranks. He began his brilliant thirty-six year coaching career at Shawtown Hih School in Lillington, North Carolina. He returned to Raleigh in 1940 and immediately began to establish a rich and lasting athletic tradition under the Blue and Gold colors at Washington High School and subsequently at Ligon High School when it opened its doors in the year 1953.

Peter (Pete) Hines Williams, Jr., married Rosalie Bryant in 1949. Mrs. Williams is Director of Tutorial Support Services and Associate Professor of English at Shaw University. Mr. and Mrs. Williams adopted one son John M. Williams. Mrs. Martha Wiiiams Wheeler, sister of the late Mr. Williams, is Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Shaw University.

Known throughout the state as the "Little Blues," his football teams won North Carolina High School Athletic Conference Championships in 1945, 1949, and 1950, and won runner-up honors in the state competition in 1940, 1942, 1946, and 1963. When he stepped down as head football coach at Ligon in 1969, his football coaching record stood at 197 victories, 69 defeats, and 8 ties. That record remains as one of the best in North Carolina.

Not only was Peter Hines Williams an accomplished football coach, he was also quite adept as a baseball coach. He compiled a ten-year rcord that reflected 156 wins, 45 loses, and State Championships honor for a total of six years.

In recognition of his extremely outstanding accomplishments "Pete" was presented many awards, citations and honors. In 1975, he was honored when Mayor Clarence E. Lightner proclaimed November 8, 1975 as "Peter Hines Williams Day" in Raleigh.

The best indication of the high esteem held for Peter Hines Williams, Jr. was when he was presented a massive and magnificient trophy by the citizens of Raleigh. The inscription read as follows:

"For thirty-six years as teacher and coach by instruction and example, He influenced the lives of hundreds of Raleigh's youth. On the athletic fields, his teams were winners, but the high standards of conduct and morality he instilled in his players transended even his winning record."

Peter (Pete) Hines Williams, Jr. was loved and respected by all who knew him. His colorful personality, the generosity of his spirit, and his exemplary coaching ability were recognized by his peers and fans alike. He had a tremendous positive influence on the lives of his former students and athletes, and he was highly regarded throughout North Carolina and the southeastern states as one of North Crolina's most ourstanding high school coaches.

Peter (Pete) Hines Williams, Jr.,departed this life on October 14, 1979 but his memory lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

================================================================================================= The above was copied from materials titiled, "A LEGEND IN HIS TIME" given at a Testimonal Dinner honoring the late Peter (Pete) Hines Williams, Jr.

by Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina.

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