Emergency Donations for Ben Williams Family
Donation protected
June 9th, 2020
Dear Buffalo Bills faithful:
By now you may have heard the news of former Bills great Ben Williams’ death after several years of failing health and misfortune. The loss of their home and all their belongings, including their family dog, due to a fire last fall, was followed by flooding at their rental home. It would be hard for a healthy person to endure, never mind a compromised person as Ben had become over the past several years.
Ben was a believer in Christ, as well as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Affectionately known as ‘Gentle Ben’, he was the first African-American to receive a football scholarship at University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). Among his many accolades, he was the first African-American Ole Miss Football player to earn All-America honors, and the First African-American student to be elected by the student body for what is now known as Mr. Ole Miss.
In addition, he was a member of the Ole Miss Football Team of the Century, and inducted into the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame. Ben spent his entire 10 year NFL career with the Buffalo Bills during which he played in 147 games, was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1983, and the Bill’s Silver Anniversary Team. He was a recipient of the Ralph L. Wilson Leadership Award.
Ben’s wife Linda sacrificed her career and any semblance of what we hope for in retirement due to the need for full time care of Ben. The need for support for Linda lives on as she is the primary caregiver of their grandson Preston.
An account has been established at the local bank where Ben worked during off seasons while playing football for the Bills. A longtime friend of Ben’s at Ole Miss is an officer of the bank.
Thank you for your consideration in memory of our friend Ben; a great man.
Sincerely,
Fred and Kristy Smerlas
Dear Buffalo Bills faithful:
By now you may have heard the news of former Bills great Ben Williams’ death after several years of failing health and misfortune. The loss of their home and all their belongings, including their family dog, due to a fire last fall, was followed by flooding at their rental home. It would be hard for a healthy person to endure, never mind a compromised person as Ben had become over the past several years.
Ben was a believer in Christ, as well as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Affectionately known as ‘Gentle Ben’, he was the first African-American to receive a football scholarship at University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). Among his many accolades, he was the first African-American Ole Miss Football player to earn All-America honors, and the First African-American student to be elected by the student body for what is now known as Mr. Ole Miss.
In addition, he was a member of the Ole Miss Football Team of the Century, and inducted into the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame. Ben spent his entire 10 year NFL career with the Buffalo Bills during which he played in 147 games, was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1983, and the Bill’s Silver Anniversary Team. He was a recipient of the Ralph L. Wilson Leadership Award.
Ben’s wife Linda sacrificed her career and any semblance of what we hope for in retirement due to the need for full time care of Ben. The need for support for Linda lives on as she is the primary caregiver of their grandson Preston.
An account has been established at the local bank where Ben worked during off seasons while playing football for the Bills. A longtime friend of Ben’s at Ole Miss is an officer of the bank.
Thank you for your consideration in memory of our friend Ben; a great man.
Sincerely,
Fred and Kristy Smerlas
Organizer and beneficiary
Robyn Mundy
Organizer
Belus Road, WY
Aisha Williams
Beneficiary
