The victim of the September 28 car crash reported by Grice Connect, which occurred on State Route 67 in Bulloch County, has been identified as beloved area pastor Rev. Dr. Clarence "Teddy" Williams, Jr., 64. Williams maintained residences in both Statesboro and Savannah.
Williams was pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Savannah. According to the church's website, Rev. Williams was active on local, state, and national boards and committees.
In addition to his work at the church, he was former moderator of the Berean Missionary Baptist Association, Inc.; former vice president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Music Auxiliary; former state music director of General Missionary Baptist; former chapter representative, Gospel Music Workshop of America; former Chaplain, Chatham County Sheriff's Department; and former Chaplain, Savannah State University National Alumni Association.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, a close friend of Williams, said in a Facebook post, "I went through this day in a daze, going through the motions trying to wrap my mind around the loss of my brother and friend, Rev. Clarence 'Teddy' Williams. Twenty-four hours after our last conversation, he left us suddenly and tragically. He was a unique soul who was unapologetically himself but loved God, his family, his city, and Savannah State University. I extend my prayers to those forever changed by his journey through our lives. This one hurts."
According to GSP Post 45 Sergeant Robbie Scott, a lookout was issued to Bulloch County Sheriff's Deputies and Georgia State Patrol Troopers around 6:30pm on the 28th for a reckless driver on 67, who was traveling south in the northbound lane near Anderson Cemetery. Several seconds after the lookout was dispatched, it was discovered that the vehicle had run off the roadway and onto the east shoulder of 67.
Once the vehicle left the roadway, it struck a culvert and overturned several times. When GSP Troopers and Bulloch County Sheriff Deputies arrived on the scene, Williams was deceased. After further investigation, Troopers discovered multiple diabetic needles inside the vehicle. It is believed Rev. Dr. Williams was having a medical episode, which resulted in the crash.
Campbell and Sons Funeral Home of Savannah is in charge of arrangements.
