Claude P. Williams

Glover Funeral Home

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Posted by: Glover Funeral Home
[email protected]
334-699-3888
Date: Mar 26 2018 3:14 PM

Claude P. Williams

November 3, 1935 - March 24, 2018

 

Long time thoroughbred industry professional Claude P. Williams, son of the late Hazel P. and Dempsey D. Williams Jr., passed away at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge Saturday March 24, 2018, after a brain injury suffered in a fall earlier in the week. He was 82.

Williams started his thoroughbred career as a freelance journalist for the Daily Racing Form in 1965.  He was a chart caller for the Daily Racing Form for 10 years, becoming a staff columnist until 1981.  He then took the job as manager of Franks Farms in Shreveport, Louisiana until 1983.

Williams purchased Louisiana Horse magazine from the late Jack Lohman in 1984 and was editor and publisher from 1984 to 1988 when his son, the late Kyle Williams, became editor.  In March of 1988, Williams became a state steward for the Louisiana Racing Commission. In November of 1989, he was appointed Executive Director of the Louisiana Racing Commission by Governor Buddy Roemer, a position he held through September of 1991.

From there he moved to Alabama to be Executive Secretary of the Birmingham Racing Commission.  He retired from that position in December of 2003. In retirement, he continued his interest in the thoroughbred industry as an author.

Memorial service is at 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Westwood Presbyterian Church, Dothan, AL with Pastor David Temples officiating and Kendall Glover directing.  Visitation will be at 10:00 am prior to the service.  Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517; Alabama Baptist Children Home, Attention:  Ministry Development; PO Box 361767, Birmingham, AL, 35236; Westwood Presbyterian Church, 5480 West Main Street, Dothan, AL, 36305. 

Survivors include his wife Rosemary Williams of Dothan, AL; son Keith Williams of Ponchatoula, Louisiana; daughter Kelly Williams Odom of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; step-son Richard Glaze of Warrior, AL; step-son Alan Glaze of Hoover, AL; brother Raymond L. Williams, of Gulf Breeze, FL; ex-wife, Martha Williams of Springfield, Louisiana; 8 Grandchildren, 5 Great-Grandchildren and 4 Step Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by son Kyle T. Williams, brother Lawrie G. Williams and brother Dempsey D. Williams, III.

Glover Funeral Home of Dothan has been entrusted with the arrangements.  (334) 699-3888.  Please sign the guestbook on line at www.gloverfuneral.com.

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