03/31/2026
Please join the staff at Edwards Funeral Home as we offer our sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Ervin Lamont Williams (62) formerly of Elm City, NC. Mr. Williams died on Saturday, Monday, February 16, 2026 in Owensboro, Kentucky. A private graveside memorial service took place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00 am at Rest Haven Cemetery (1701 Bishop LN Forbes Lane, Wilson NC).
Ervin Lamont Williams, a native of Elm City, North Carolina, was born January 23, 1964, in Wilson County, NC to the late Walter Linberg Williams and Algie Elzera Evans Williams. He entered eternal rest on February 16, 2026, in Daviess County, Owensboro, Kentucky, at the age of 62 years and 24 days. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gregory Tyrone Evans, and his sister in law, Ruby Evans.
As a young child, Ervin was baptized and attended Wynn’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Elm City, North Carolina. He was an active participant in the life of the church through the Children’s Sunday School and the Youth and Children’s Choir, where he began forming the values of service and community that would guide his life.
Ervin was a graduate of Louisburg College in Louisburg, North Carolina, where he earned an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies. During his time there he served as a student trainer and student manager for the men’s basketball team. He later attended Lenoir-Rhyne University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Administration in 1987. While at Lenoir-Rhyne, he worked as a student trainer for the football, men’s basketball, and baseball teams.
In 1988, Ervin returned to Louisburg College and began his professional career as Director of Intramural Sports and Campus Recreation, serving students, staff, and the community from August 1988 until June 1997. During this period he also served as a firefighter and Safety Officer with the Louisburg Fire Department. He dedicated many hours to community safety, training, and public education.
In 1997, Ervin relocated to Nebraska. He joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as Director of Basketball Operations, serving from July 1997 to June 2002. In this role he oversaw the internal and external operational functions of the basketball program.
From July 2002 through 2013, Ervin continued his work with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as part of Game Day Operations for the Nebraska Athletic Department. His responsibilities included planning events, hiring and vetting staff, and training personnel to ensure successful athletic events.
Known for his tireless work ethic and his commitment to mentoring young people, he served as House Parent, affectionately known as “Dad,” for the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Alpha Tau Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from August 2003 until June 2013. In this role he managed the house and helped guide more than forty young men, offering leadership, discipline, and encouragement.
After leaving Nebraska, Ervin continued his career in collegiate athletics when he became Director of Basketball Operations at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, serving from July 2013 until March 2018.
Ervin’s memories will always be cherished and honored by his foster son, Abe Karima; his siblings, Jacqueline Williams Lartey (Dr. Seth O. Lartey), Ernest J. Williams, Adrian Williams (Evelyn), Carlyle B. Williams, Stanley M. Williams, Vivian E. Williams Johnson, and Walter L. Williams. He also leaves to cherish his memory his aunts and uncles, Betsy M. Plummer, Mildred I. Wright, Andonia Harrison (George), LeRoy Williams (Celeste), Bertha Evans, Cynthia Evans, Myrtle Williams, Betty Williams, and Glenda Williams.
He is also remembered by his nieces, Alicia Lartey, Victoria Lartey, Nicole King, and Sharon High Jones; his nephews, Solomon Lartey, Ernest J. Williams II, Dazmenn Z. Williams, Gregory Evans Jr., Stephon Evans, Donte Davis, and Christopher Woodard; great nephews, Kash Evans, Zamari Evans, and Seth A. Lartey, along with a host of cousins and friends.
