Edward "Eddie" Williams, one of the nation's most recognized and respected structural steel erectors, died on January 13 at age 90. Williams was one of the founders of the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) and was known for hundreds of notable and challenging projects such as the UNC Dean Dome and the Carolina Panthers Stadium.
"To say we lost an industry icon with the passing of Eddie Williams is a large understatement," said Chip Pocock, safety and R&D manager at Barnett Steel Erection, Inc., in Graham, N.C. "I honestly cannot think of anyone who had a greater positive impact and influence on the steel construction industry than Eddie Williams. From his contributions and work with OSHA on the Steel Erection Safety Standards to his contributions with trade associations like AISC, SEAA (which he co-founded), AGC [Associated General Contractors of America], ASA [American Subcontractors Association], and others, his efforts helped to make our industry so much safer and better for everyone from the ironworker to the owner and everyone in between."
Among his many awards was SEAA's William Davis Service Award (2006); a decade later he was named SEAA's Person of the Year. At that time, Alan Sears, the awards chair, stated: "Eddie is our senior statesman, and his counsel and suggestions over the course of more than 60 years have shaped this association and the industry as we know it today."
In 2005, Williams received a Lifetime Achievement Award from AISC in recognition of his contributions to both the erection and fabrication industries.
"I first met Eddie when I joined the NASCC Technical Planning Committee, the group responsible for developing the conference's technical sessions," explained Mark Trimble, senior vice president at AISC and the former chair of the steel conference planning committee. "Eddie's presence was invaluable; he was the voice of the erectors, ensuring their perspective was heard during our deliberations. Beyond the committee work, Eddie was incredibly generous with his time, whether championing training initiatives for erectors or sharing his deep knowledge of the steel industry with me–insights for which I'm incredibly grateful."
Added Charlie Carter, AISC's president: "Eddie Williams was smart, shrewd, and gracious--a combination that made him a force in building both his business and our industry. We all enjoy the impact he had, including through his work to build the SEAA and his contributions to AISC."
Williams was also a well-regarded expert on erection. In addition to his erection work, his company grew to be the third-largest crane rental company in the world.
"Eddie walked the legislative halls in Raleigh and in D.C. working to ensure steel erection subcontractors were treated fairly when it came to issues such as retainage, indemnity, and other contractual issues," said Pocock. "Eddie's work ethic was mirrored only by his humility and kind demeanor. Eddie was always willing to stop and share a memory or to tell a tale or a joke. He was a wonderful human being who left our world a much better place."
Williams grew up on a farm in Chapel Hill, N.C., where he, along with his brother Buddy, cultivated a love for nature. He attended North Carolina State University and became a lifelong fan of the school's Wolfpack athletic teams. At age 19, he went to work for his wife Pat's father at Buckner Steel Erection. Eddie started his career there in the field as a rod-buster, ironworker, and crane operator, but grew to become a true corporate leader of his industry. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Williams, his daughter, Teri Atkins, his son, Doug Williams, as well as his grand- and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Mount Carmel Baptist Church Building Fund. To contribute, text "MCBC1803" to 73256 using your mobile phone. In the dropdown, select Eddie Williams Memorial or mcbc1803.org/give, click Donate, and select Eddie Williams Memorial in the dropdown.