Hampton Vernon Williams entered into heaven on August 4, 2021 after a heroic battle with glioblastoma. He passed away at home with his family by his side.
A visitation will be held from 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM Sunday, August 8th at the Southern Pines Fire Department on Pennsylvania Ave in Southern Pines. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 12 PM.
Hampton was born January 24, 1954, in Wadesboro, NC to the late Dr. Dock David Williams and Pauline Knotts Williams of Rockingham, NC. He was raised in Rockingham, NC, before moving to Moore County, NC, where he worked as a first responder. His love of Emergency Medical Services while working as an EMS driver eventually led to a fulfilling career in the fire service, but first Hampton graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan University in St. Louis, MO in 1978.
Hampton joined the Southern Pines Fire Department on August 4, 1986 as a paid firefighter and served in various ranks, being appointed Fire Chief in December of 2005. He retired as Chief in December 2016 after thirty years of faithful service to the town of Southern Pines and the State of North Carolina; accepting the position as the fire and rescue coordinator at Central Carolina Community College. Throughout his career, Hampton had the honor of being selected as a guest professor at the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, MD where he also co-wrote a textbook for the Academy. While serving on the Southern Pines Fire Department, he continued his education graduating from the University of North Carolina Pembroke with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2006, and from Grand Canyon University with a Master’s Degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership in 2010. Upon retirement, he was the recipient of one of the state’s highest honors, The Order Of The Long Leaf Pine, which was Conferred by Governor Pat McCrory. The award recognizes North Carolinians with a proven record of extraordinary service to the state for a period of thirty years or more.
Hampton truly enjoyed life and was always on the go. He belonged to the Cox’s Double Eagle Harley-Davidson Club, having been a skilled motorcycle rider since his early twenties. He also enjoyed traveling with his camper and spending quality time with his family outdoors. He loved golfing, hunting, Dale Earnhardt, UNC Tar Heels, Washington Redskins, and a smooth Bourbon. He enjoyed giving back to his community as a former member of the Masonic Temple Association of Southern Pines and the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills.
Hampton will be remembered by many, and is survived by wife Toni Cafferata Williams, of home; sons, Hampton Vernon William Jr. (Abbi), of Summerville, SC, and Adam Kyle Williams, of Corpus Christi, TX, daughter, Megan Olivia Williams (Dale), of Simpsonville, SC; step-daughters Tori Cox (Mike) of Franklin, TN; and Jessica Bogosian (Rich), of Shreveport, LA; brothers, Dock David Williams Jr. (Karen), of Carson City, NV, and Dr. Richard Tate Williams (Sally), of Radford, VA, and sister Pauline Williams Smith (Lyde) of Pinehurst, NC; grandchildren Dylan, Matthew, Ryan, Richie, Gracie, Dane, Caleb, Fisher Grace, Braylynn, and Payton; great-grandson Walker; as well as nieces, nephews, and many cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Southern Pines Fire Department or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Hampton Williams.
Online condolences may be made to www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
