I was out of town for work this week and not able to make the services unfortunately. I want to pass along my condolences and thanks to the family of the coach who helped shape me. CHS XC was some of the best times of my life and Bud laid that foundation to make it all possible.

Kathryn Sidwell

"Bud" was ahead of his time...he was an understanding...perceptive...forgiving...person and Dean...very cool! City High wouldn't have been as fun without him! Shout out to "Bud" Williams! 84-88!

As a parent of twin girls who ran cross country for City High School, I really appreciated Bud Williams as a coach. He made everybody feel good about being part of the team. Each runner, whether the runner came in first or last, knew that he or she had made a contribution to the team. He emphasized comradery, support, hard work and modesty, and he let team members know that he cared. Moreover, he included the parents, encouraging carpooling and our presence at meets. As a result bonding occurred among parents as well as among members of the team. Bud was fair, consistent, and very good at what he did. I am grateful that my girls had the opportunity to be coached by him.

An excellent Dean of Students at City High, Bud Williams proved a fair, flexible and trustworthy disciplinarian. He had a personality that allowed him to be candid with students who got into trouble without causing alienation or resentment, and he showed great skill in counseling students to become better people. His coaching accomplishments are legendary. This was a remarkable man who made a difference int the lives of many people.

Coach Bud Williams truly cared about his students and athletes. His grit and determination were driving forces for the multiple conference and state championships achieved by the City High women’s and men’s cross country teams during the 1990’s. I’ll always remember his many stories and him following us in his car, motivating us on training runs. Coach, you will be missed!

Bud was an everyday presence for me at Grand Living. He would pass by my desk every morning on his way to breakfast and say, "Hey Gal. How are 'ya today?" Then he'd come back by afterward and say, "See 'ya later Gal." He loved the days when we had hot chocolate available at the front desk and would drink a cup or two while visiting with me. He detested the days it was hot cider or hot tea! He loved to go outside in the warmer months but would not step foot out there if it was below 70-degrees and he came to me for the daily weather report. He was also notorious for hollering at me from the library to turn the fireplace on...even in June when it was 85-degrees outside! I will miss our visits and he will be very missed in the Bridgewater Community. -Jami Tandy (front desk at Grand Living)

The world lost another great human and great coach. I'm sure Bud and my dad will be putting together more workouts again. Iowa City was certainly blessed to have people like Coach Williams to help guide kids to be better. You will be missed. It's a great day to be a Little Hawk. Thanks Coach.

I am so very sorry to hear of Bud's passing. He and Dale spent many hours visiting on the phone and at Sycamore Mall. Dale thought so much of Bud. They were very good friends. You were so blessed to have him so many years, and I know how much you will miss him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Steve, Kathy, Wayne and John:

My condolences on the passing of your father. I had the privilege of coaching football at Central with Bud and he taught me, a young beginning coach and teacher, about how to develop leadership and ethical athletes! Attributes that I benefitted from myself in working alongside him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mark Hogan (Nashville, TN)

This one hurt! Coach Williams was such an important man in my development in running, discipline and reaching my goals. I have so many wonderful memories of him…his red pants, following along in his car when we were running, telling me stories about my dad and his brothers (he was the dean when they were in school). The list goes on and on. What a difference he made in so many young people’s lives! RIP Coach, you will be so missed!

I, too, was in Mr. Williams’ class when Kennedy was shot. I don’t remember much from 8th grade history, but I remember very clearly how he broke the news to us, how kind he was to a room full of extremely upset 8th graders, and what a caring teacher he was.

Kathy, I have many fond memories of your dad at Central Junior High. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Colleen (Villhauer) Hogan

Bud Williams was my 8th grade history teacher at Central Junior High in 1963, and I was in his class when news of President Kennedy’s killing was announced. Later I was the beneficiary of so much wisdom (along with some funny stories) from the man when we worked together at City High. What a guy! What a coach!. Bud Williams was one-of-a-kind and a true legend.

So many cherished memories with Coach Bud while he was at NWMSU. I’ll never forget running from campus out to his farm where he basically set up a course for us girls to train on. He worked us hard, but it payed off. He truly cared about each and every one us. May you rest in peace.

Rebecca Yoo

Williams family sorry for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep all the good memories in your hearts forever. Mr. Williams' was my teacher at Central Junior. High. He always remembered me when we ran into each other. I’m not sure if that was a good thing or not. Great man R.I.P. Bud. God Bless you all.