Samuel E. Williams
December 9, 1943 – December 4, 2025

Samuel Eugene Williams, 81, of Swan Quarter, passed away peacefully at “Diana’s House”, surrounded by family. Most just called him Sammie. He was otherwise known as Dad, Granddad, Big Chief, and Honest Sam.

Sammie was born in Sladesville, Hyde County, on December 9, 1943, to the late Clafton and Malvina Wahab Williams. He was born full of determination and died full of determination. He was married to the love of his life, Diana Rose Sadler Williams, who preceded him in death. They were married on October 22, 1965, while he was on a break from the Army. He would say that he truly loved her too much. We all know that there is never enough love in this world.

Sammie was truly one of a kind. The world couldn’t take two. He was one of the smartest people his daughter Sherry has ever known, except for alphabetical, dates, and computers. Like Yogi Bear, “He was smarter than the average bear.”  Average, he was not! He loved to work!!! He loved to make people work. He thought that hard work was the answer to everything. He loved to talk. He only asked you for your opinion for you to agree with him.

He worked on the water as a commercial fisherman until 1990. Really, until his last days, because he was shrimping and fishing from his home with the captains over the phone all day and night this last season. He caught oysters, crabs, fish, and shrimp. The first boat he bought cost $75.00 and was a skiff sunk in a ditch. He worked HARD and bought and captained the F/V Captain Walter, F/V Sherry, F/V Diana, and F/V Little Sammie. The F/V Little Sammie was his pride and joy, “his baby.” “You have to have a little green and a little gold to make a little money.”
Sammie went on to buy F/V Walter and Daphney, F/V War Cry, F/V Wonder Woman, F/V Lady Samaira, F/V Miss Kirk, F/V Lady Carolyn, and F/V Honest Sam. He worked the waters from Massachusetts to Florida. He was the happiest working alongside Buster Williams, Joe Williams, Larry Sadler, Henry Daniels, the Tates, and the Wanchese fleet. He would tell Jay, his son-in-law, a recreational fisherman, “Do you know what’s more fun than catching a fish? Catching a boatload of fish,” He truly loved it.

In 1988, Sammie and Diana established Williams Seafood, Inc. in Engelhard, NC. He opened the fish house to help the fishermen. He was always a fisherman, not a fish dealer. His daughter, Sherry, has worked alongside him since August 1988. His grandson Dalton has worked with him running the boats since 2013. Randy Privett has managed the fish house with him for 33 years. Johnny Flowers has worked with him for 44 years, from crewman to first mate to captain. Many good men have helped him pack shrimp and fish; many good women have headed shrimp for him. Mrs. Betty Spencer was there from the beginning and will tell you that he never let her go without food and heat. Many others will tell you that, too. Marion Blount, Gerladine Gibbs, Helen Howard- “the Gull Rockers” always were there. There have been many men and women who worked with him on the boats and at the fish house, and he appreciated them.

Sammie was in the Army and served for two years. He was a medic in charge of medical supplies at a base in France. This was amazing for a high school dropout. (He had his first steak when he was there, cooked by his Yankee friend) This was one of the few times that Sammie left Hyde County, except when he was chasing a fish or shrimp.

In 1983, Sammie and Diana installed an inground pool in their backyard. They both loved to listen to children’s laughter and to watch them play. Many children have learned to swim there. All their kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, loved ones… are part fish due to this. Although no one ever got as dark with Panama Jack as his arms were.

While Sammie had never cooked before when his wife passed in 2010, he became quite the cook afterward. He remodeled the kitchen and installed the largest quartzite table right in the middle, which can easily seat 14 people. He has fed many family and friends from far and wide. If you left hungry, it was your fault!

Sammie enjoyed buying his granddaughter and grandsons four-wheelers. He enjoyed his grandchildren almost as much as he enjoyed catching fish, LOL. He enjoyed feeding all of their friends. He had too many girlfriends to count. (You girls know who you are) I will not try to list all of his boys and all of his girlfriends for fear of leaving someone out.

He was blessed to have a faithful best friend, Buster Williams. Who we know was worth at least a bag of marbles to Sammie. Johnny Flowers, Dwayne Hopkins, Joe Williams, Kenny Lewis, Bryan Daniels, and Vernon Sadler kept him alive and shrimping via many phone calls at all hours this last shrimp season.

His son Sammie Williams, Jr., and his daughter, Pepper, were faithful caregivers since his accident in April of 2024. Denise Blount and Susie Newman kept him fed much of this time. Dell Newman talked business with him many days. The Carawans and Cahoons became family. Michelle Newman was there for Big Chief anytime. A.D. Simpson was exceptionally helpful in the last days. Dalton was there day and night in the last days. Chloe, Drake, Deacon, and Sherry were there as much as possible.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the family plot in the Williams Family Cemetery,  300 Church Street, Swan Quarter. Rev. L. Spottwood Graves will officiate.

Friends may visit the family at the home place on 200 Main Street, Swan Quarter, and on Tuesday, immediately following the service.

Surviving is a son, Sammie E. Williams, Jr ( Lorie) of Washington, two daughters, Sherry W. Etheridge (Jay) of Engelhard, Pepper Williams of Washington; four grandchildren, Destinee Williams, Drake Etheridge, Dalton Etheridge (Chloe), Deacon Etheridge; two great grandchildren, Braelynn Mayers and Sunny Etheridge; one brother, Willie Williams (Shelby) of Scranton and a sister, Naomi Spivey of Chesapeake, VA

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Mayhew Williams, Ralph Williams, and a sister, Madeline W. Sheppard.

Memorial contributions can be made to the NC Fisheries Association, PO Box 86, Morehead City, NC 28557.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.