Mr. Elijah Williams, 90, of Sanford, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Sanford Health and Rehabilitation. 

Mr. Elijah Williams was born on January 15, 1936, to the late Eva McDuffie Williams and Eddie B. Williams in Jonesboro, North Carolina. He was the firstborn of this union. Elijah peacefully  departed on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Sanford Health & Rehabilitation on Farrell Road in Sanford, North Carolina.

Elijah received his education through the Lee County Training School in Sanford, North Carolina. Mr. Williams also served four years in the United States Army. His service began on March 31,  1955, and ended on March 17, 1959, with an Honorable discharge. During Elijah’s military career, he was stationed at Fort Riley, located in northeastern Kansas. In addition, he served at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Bamberg, Germany.

In 1961, Elijah was employed as a truck driver for Cheema Trucking Company. He continued his truck driving career with Detroit Motor Rail Company in 1968. Later, he spent thirty-plus years as a carpenter for Buffington Rental Management, LLC.

While in Detroit, Michigan, he became a member of Saint Andrew Baptist Church under the leadership of W.H. Brown. In 1969, he was ordained as a deacon, becoming Deacon Elijah Williams.

After relocating to Sanford, he attended New Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Douglas Waterson. One morning in 2018, he was reinstated after our regular  church worship service in our Church “One-on-One” guidelines service, and was given the right hand of fellowship. Elijah was a faithful member. He attended Sunday School and morning worship  service until his health failed. He made sure his tithes and offerings were paid regularly.

Elijah loved fishing and cooking. He was the family baker. He loved to color pictures and was great at it. The Enrichment Center was one place he truly enjoyed. Family gatherings were among  the other occasions he loved. His favorite saying was “You know what?” and if you didn’t know, he would take the time to tell you. 

Elijah was preceded in death by two sisters, Evelyn W. McAuley and Marzella W. Hairston, a brother, Eddie Williams, Jr., an uncle, Robert McDuffie, and two aunts, Geneva M. Hicks and Alice E.  McDuffie.

Those left to cherish fond memories of Elijah are, his goddaughter, Harmony U. Williams, known as “Babydoll” of Pittsboro, NC; three brothers, Ernest L. Williams, Albert L. Williams (Mary), and  James L. Williams (Elizabeth), all of Sanford, NC; five sisters, Linnie W. Stringfellow of Greensboro, NC, Martha W. Cain (Robert, Sr.), Mary W. McAuley, Edith W. McAuley (John), and Alice W.  Spruiell (Archie), all of Sanford; a brother-in-law, William “Fat” McAuley of Sanford; an uncle, Wayne McDuffie of Sanford; an aunt, Karen McDuffie of Sanford; and a host of nephews, nieces, and  friends.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Elijah Williams in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.