Carbondale Reporter

Herman Williams Sr., a former assistant coach for the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) men's basketball team, died on Thursday, October 29, at the age of 81. Williams was a well-known figure in SIU athletics and spent decades contributing to the university.

"Herman is a legend in the halls of Saluki Athletics," said Tim Leonard, SIU Director of Athletics. "He set an example that we strive to follow today. We are beyond thankful for his contributions to our basketball programs, athletic department and university. He will be greatly missed."

Williams joined SIU in 1974 as an assistant basketball coach and remained until 1978. He then moved to Auburn University with head coach Paul Lambert. After Lambert's death in a hotel fire before coaching a game at Auburn, Williams stayed at Auburn until 1981 before returning to SIU—a move he described as exciting.

He coached the Salukis until 1986 and later worked with Recreational Sports and Services until his retirement in 2007. In recognition of his commitment to students, Williams received the People of Color Distinguished Leadership Award from the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association in 2007.

Before coming to SIU, Williams was active in high school sports, playing basketball, football, and baseball. He attended Dillard University on a football scholarship and earned degrees from both Dillard and the University of South Alabama.

A Birmingham native, Williams led A.H. Parker High School’s basketball team to two state championships and also served as an assistant football coach there.

Williams was involved with Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and played a role in re-establishing its local graduate chapter.

He is survived by his wife Dr. Yvonne Williams; children Kesha and Herman; and grandchildren Taylor and Herman III. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, November 7 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Carbondale. The funeral service will follow immediately after at the same location. Services will be livestreamed on the church's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NewZionMissionaryBaptistChurch.