Williams was born in Quiet Dell, Marion County. He grew up in Fairmont, joined the Marines in 1943, and saw combat in Guam and Iwo Jima.

At Iwo Jima in 1945, Williams bravely used a flamethrower to destroy seven enemy pillboxes under heavy fire, returning five times for more fuel and explosives. His actions earned him the Medal of Honor, presented by President Truman. He was also wounded and awarded a Purple Heart.

After the war, Williams worked with veterans and stayed active in public service. He founded a nonprofit for Gold Star Families and was honored with a Navy ship and VA hospital named after him. Williams died in 2022 at age 98. He was the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II.

On October 2, 2023, a monument was dedicated in Huntington to mark his 100th birthday and honor his legacy.