Walter Raeford

Williams

Obituary for Walter Raeford "Fat" Williams

December 28, 1934 – May 11, 2025

Walter Raeford Williams, affectionately known as "Fat", a devoted husband, father, grandfather, craftsman, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey, at the age of 90. He was born on December 28, 1934, in Magnolia, North Carolina, to the late Sunny Williams and Eliza Frances Bright Williams.

A native of North Carolina, Walter was a proud graduate of the Class of 1953 at Garland Colored School in Garland, NC. After graduation, he journeyed north in pursuit of opportunity, settling first in Washington, D.C., residing with his beloved Aunt Adele Bright Chalmers, and then on  to Brooklyn, NY, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Ruth. They married in 1956 and, in 1962, moved to Teaneck, New Jersey, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

Walter was a master upholsterer whose craftsmanship was widely respected. In 1977, he founded Walter's Upholstery in Englewood, New Jersey—a business that not only served the community with excellence but also became a family legacy. He proudly passed the trade down to his son, Walter Jr., and personally ran his shop with dedication and pride until 2023, when he officially retired after 47 years of business-ownership.

Walter was a man of quiet strength, integrity, and deep devotion to his loved ones. One of 13 siblings, he remained close to his family throughout his life. He leaves behind three cherished sisters: Catherine Robinson of Dallas, TX; Ambree Spearman of Woodbridge, VA; Linda Carr of Clinton, NC; and a sister-in-law, Betsy McCloud of Brooklyn, NY.

Walter was a beloved father to Walter Williams, Jr., Phyllis Williams Highsmith (Samuel), Sandra Williams Highsmith (Glen), Cynthia Williams, and Cassandra Williams.

Walter was also preceded in death by his siblings: JB Williams, Lillie Mae Williams, Robert "Bubba" Williams, James "Bob Jack" Williams, Charlie Williams, Herbert Williams, Shelton Williams, Callie Williams, and Marian Williams Crumpler. Their memories were deeply held in his heart, and he often spoke of the love and strength of the family they shared.

Walter was a beloved grandfather to eight grandchildren who brought him endless pride and joy: Tawauna "Rooster" Harris (Dante), Lateese Williams, Tyisha Gaskin (Stephen), Moniqua Williams, Rachel Highsmith, Robyn Highsmith, Tre Walter Highsmith, Alexandra Highsmith, Sam Highsmith, as well as 15 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. His legacy of love, faith, and perseverance lives on through them and through all who knew and loved him.

Walter "Fat" Williams will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his incredible skill as an upholsterer, and the quiet dignity with which he lived his life. He also built lasting relationships with his many customers and friends. His presence was a steady and loving force, and his memory will be treasured forever.