Edward Silas Williams

Edward “Eddie” Williams, 90, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 13th, 2025. Eddie was born March 5th, 1934, in Durham, NC to parents John Seaton and Hattie Suitt Williams.

The only place to start when telling the story of Eddie is with his love for his wife Pat. Fitting for their future together, Eddie and Patsy met at age 12 and 13 during their church’s annual holiday pageant. Their incredible love story spanned over 74 years together and the breadth of that love is a constant thread through every other milestone of Eddie’s life.

Eddie grew up on a farm in Chapel Hill where he, along with his brother Buddy, cultivated his love for nature, growing things and maybe a little bit of mischief. He attended NC State University and became a lifelong fan. At age 19 Eddie went to work for Pat’s father at Buckner Steel Erection. Eddie started his career in the field as a rodbuster, ironworker and crane operator, but grew to become a true corporate leader of his industry. Throughout his career, in addition to growing the company to what it is today, he was a pillar in many industry organizations. Eddie was a founder of Steel Erectors Association of America, the only non-engineer to ever be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by American Institute of Steel Construction, worked tirelessly for the American Subcontractors Association and was honored with The Order of The Longleaf Pine from the Governor of North Carolina. Eddie was the driving force behind erecting such notable projects like the UNC Dean Dome, the Carolina Panthers Stadium and many other collegiate and professional stadiums. The nation is covered with hospitals, offices, industrial plants and complex structures that Eddie built and influenced. Due to Eddie’s example Buckner HeavyLift Cranes became the 3rd largest crane rental company in the world. He was also critical in the creation of many modern construction safety laws and contracting practices. Eddie was the real example of loving what you do, he never truly retired and was an active, important participant of weekly office meetings until his death. His commercial, business impact on the steel industry is only exceeded by the amount of friends he made along the way.

While Eddie was accomplished and fulfilled professionally, his main joy came from time spent with his family. His children Teri and Doug came first, followed by five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who all adored him. Quiet time with Grandpa often meant a stroll through the apple trees, fresh turnips as afternoon snacks or new landscape features in the backyard. Later in life, Eddie’s dream of spending more time in the NC mountains came true. A home overlooking Grandfather Mountain was designed by Eddie not just as a beautiful connection to nature but a gathering place for friends and family. His great grandchildren offered a renewed sense of enthusiasm for Eddie, he could be found most days enjoying time with them or if they weren’t around showing off proud photos.

Eddie was always a calm presence with his kindness and gentleness leading the way. If you asked him, he would probably credit some of this to his strong faith. That faith became personified in his decades long involvement at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Both Eddie and Pat are lifelong congregation members and supporters of the church. Eddie could be found many days volunteering, singing in the choir or helping with church projects.

Fitting for his greatest love, Eddie passed on January 13th while embraced by his wife Pat and surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Everything about Eddie was calm, steady, patient and loving, as we celebrate his wonderful life, we remember to approach our own with those traits in mind and we endeavor to add more of all Eddie was to our lives.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Nancy Williams Hundley, his brother Charles “Buddy” Williams, his son-in-law Paul Atkins and his grandson Bryan Atkins. He is survived by his wife Patricia Williams of Chapel Hill, NC, daughter Teri Atkins of Durham, NC, son Doug Williams (spouse Claire Haslam) of Chapel Hill, NC, NC, grandson Chris Atkins (spouse Sam Atkins), great granddaughter Madison Atkins of Durham, NC, Nic Atkins (spouse Jo Atkins) great grandson Brody Strange of Timberlake, NC, granddaughter Meredith Holst (spouse Trevor Holst) of Durham, NC and granddaughter Kathleen Williams (spouse Joel Rust) of Chapel Hill, NC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Mount Carmel Baptist Church Building Fund. To contribute text "MCBC1803" to 73256 to give using your mobile device. In the dropdown, select Eddie Williams Memorial or mcbc1803.org/give and click donate - select Eddie Williams Memorial in the dropdown.

Visitation will be at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Friday, January 17, 2025, at 12:30PM.  The funeral service will be at 2PM with Rev. Barret Freeman, presiding and a graveside service to follow.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Williams family.