Retired NMU Port Agent Isaiah “Ike” Robert Williams Sr. passed away May 2 in California. He was 71.Born just outside the city limits of Dardanelle, Ark., Brother Williams was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He launched his NMU career in 1966 and sailed on deep sea vessels until 1977.
During his days at sea, he served on several vessels as engine department delegate and ship’s chairman. As a rank-and-file member, Brother Williams constantly was involved in the affairs of the union’s membership.
A staunch advocate for worker rights, he was actively engaged in organizing. Brother Williams was a delegate to the 17th National NMU Convention from the port of San Francisco and served on the contract committee in 1976. After becoming a union official, he served as a registrar, patrolman and port agent in the ports of San Pedro, San Francisco and Seattle. Brother Williams also served as the NMU national representative in charge of the West Coast.
“Ike was a very compassionate person who related to and identified with the membership,” said former NMU President and current SIU Vice President at Large René Lioeanjie. “No member’s beef was ever too small to be considered by him. To those who knew him, he was a true brother. He will be missed.”
“Ike was a unique person,” offered Talmage Simpkins, executive director, AFL-CIO Maritime Committee, who knew Williams personally and professionally. “His large physical presence was deceiving in that he was always mild-mannered and receptive to the members regardless of the situation.”
Simpkins concluded, “He never—in the 30-plus years that I knew him—let anything interfere with what was best for the members and the union.”
John Cox, SIU port agent in Wilmington, Calif., worked with Brother Williams on several occasions. “All I can say about Ike is that he was a true union man through and through. He’d go to bat for his brothers and sisters without hesitation and regardless of the nature of their respective situations.
“With a champion like Ike fighting for their cause, union members could always rest assured that their concerns would be addressed,” Cox continued. “We all have suffered a tremendous loss with his passing.”
Funeral services for Brother Williams were held May 10 at the Harrison Ross Mortuary’s Firestone Chapel in Los Angeles. The burial was private.
Survivors include Brother Williams’ seven children: Isaiah Robert Williams Jr. of Arizona; Greg Williams of Reno, Nev.; Keith Williams and Scott Williams, both of Muskogee, Okla.; Terry Williams of Tulsa, Okla.; Judy Roberta Williams of Minnesota and Linda Hubson of Oklahoma City, Okla.
In addition to the foregoing family members, Brother Williams had three stepchildren: LaShaun Roper, Vance Crawford and Uchenna Mbelu, all of Los Angeles. Brother Williams also leaves behind a host of siblings, other relatives and friends.
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