[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 28 (Thursday, February 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                   HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE WILLIAMS

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Joe 
Williams, who passed away on February 8, 2017 at the age of 79. Joe was 
a loving husband, father and grandfather, who dedicated much of his 
life to public service. He was a leader in the community, eventually 
becoming the first African-American elected to the Fresno City Council 
in 1977. Joe was a friend to many, a mentor, and trailblazer. His 
presence in the community will truly be missed.
  Joe Williams was born on May 8, 1937 in Biloxi, Mississippi to Brooke 
Lee Starks and Charlie Williams. At the age of nine, his parents, along 
with Joe, his brother, George, and his sister, Audrey, moved to Fresno, 
California. He attended Edison High School and enlisted in the United 
States Army upon graduation in 1956. After his service, Joe enrolled in 
Fresno City College. He would go on to earn a scholarship to play 
football at Fresno State, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts 
degree in Social Welfare.
  After graduating, Joe began his career with the Fresno County Welfare 
Department. In 1968, he went to work for the Fresno Economic 
Opportunities Commission (EOC), as the Director of the Fresno County 
Head Start Commission, where he would go on to work for 26 years. After 
two years, Joe was named Executive Director of Fresno EOC. He was the 
longest tenured Executive Director, serving in that role from 1970 to 
1993. During his tenure, Fresno EOC expanded its budget from $1.8 
million to $37 million, with 35 programs to provide services to 130,00 
low income families annually. With the help of over 670 staff members, 
Fresno EOC was able to implement many programs including Palm Village 
family homeless shelter, open the first rural health clinic in Fresno 
County, and start a Meals on Wheels program for seniors. A sanctuary 
program for homeless youth was also established and named in his honor 
upon Joe's retirement. Under his leadership, Fresno EOC became a model 
for similar programs across the nation.
  In 1977, Joe was elected to the Fresno City Council, making him the 
first African American elected to the council. He served two terms 
between 1977 and 1985. Joe was voted as Mayor Pro-Tem from 1984-1985.
  In 1994, Joe joined Richard Heath and Associates, a privately owned 
company that aims to provide energy efficiency programs for underserved 
communities, serving as the CEO until 2005 and serving as board 
president through 2016. Along with his lifelong friends James Hendricks 
and Dr. James Aldredge, Joe formed HAW-Fifty Six, which provides 
services and housing in West Fresno. HAW- Fifty Six developed the 
Edison HAW Plaza and the first phase of a multi-family apartment 
complex in West Fresno, in collaboration with the Fresno Housing 
Authority. Joe volunteered his time, serving on numerous boards, 
including Community Medical Center Board of Trustees, California State 
University, Fresno Foundation Board and the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
  Joe is survived by his wife of 40 years Laura, their children Michael 
and his wife Sonya, Winston, and Terri, his brother George, his 
grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
life and service of Joe Williams. He will be remembered for the 
selfless way in which he lived his life, always looking to help those 
in the community who were in need. I join his family in honoring his 
life, love for his community, and service to his country. He will be 
greatly missed.

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