In Memoriam: Walter E. Williams | 1936-2020

Williams was a towering intellect who made the economic way of thinking come alive to generations of undergraduates, graduate students, readers, and anyone who would listen.

He suffered no fools, which incidentally appears as the title of the 2014 Free to Choose Network documentary on his life and work. To adapt an African proverb, the best time to start reading Walter Williams’ work is twenty years ago. The second best time is right now.

Farewell and Rest in Peace, Dr. Williams. Your shoes will be impossible to fill.

In Memoriam: Walter E. Williams, 1936-2020
Essay by Dr. Art Carden, Senior Fellow at American Institute of Economic Research

In collaboration with The Very Opinionated Kate Wand Show
Narration: Kate Wand
Artistic Team: K. Wand & W.G. Gervais
Audiovisual / Editing / Producer: W.G. Gervais

[evaneverett]

Dr. Williams understood what made America great, and was the canary in the coal mine communicating how we could loose our strong position in the world. I was fortunate to see Dr. Williams speak when I was 17 years old. He made an impression that I carry with me to this day (33 years later), and I regard him as one of the great minds in American history. RIP.

[alpha]

I see the likes and number of comments. What a shame more Americans don’t know about this great man. God Bless you. I have learned much from you. Rest in Eternal Peace.

[samuelmatz]

People are sent at a time when they offer a service to humanity with something that is very much in need. Walter Williams was such a man that was needed.

[stephengraham]

We need a lot more Walter e Williams teaching our children.RIP you will be missed.

[debbiebaker]

He was a great man and he will be missed. Praying comfort for his family.

[beauty]

Black excellence, human achievement, American lived a long and productive life. Nothing at all sad about this. I couldn't be more proud

[maria]

He will be sorely missed
Rest in Peace 🙏

[rayraymond]

I am so very sad that Walter has passed away. He is one of the greatest persons & thinkers that this country has ever produced. R.I.P., dear Walter. I shed real tears for your passing. Richard

[davidhandley]

Intellectual giant. Thank you Dr. Williams!

[ActuarialNinja]

"Liberty is the rare state of affairs in mankind's history. Arbitrary abuse and control by others is the standard dish, even now." -Walter E Williams.

[MoonChildMedia]

For Walter Williams: "Avoiding confrontation, minimizing hassles, and passing the buck are among the only goals of a slave, and absolutely unknown to those who enjoy freedom and liberty." -Me

[HerseySyntheticOil]

What a great American, indeed farewell until we meet again. You have graduated with the highest of honors, serving your fellow man. I have been blessed by listening to you. Thank you good sir.

[michaelconnor]

I weep for the day we lose his friend Thomas Sowell. He too is a great communicator for freedom and the free market.
Good bye Mr Williams. Between you, Rush, and Thomas, you made the world a better place, and inspired millions of conservatives and broke down barriers.

[FireinTheBowl]

One of the great minds of the 20th century. Sadly, during black history month, so few blacks know who he is

[rleecrossett]

I always thought highly of mr Williams smart with integrity, when he spoke I listened. He was way underrated

[Jenartbird]

May you Rest In Peace and your family be comforted in their loss. Your legacy lives on❤️

[PrinceBieBrockP]

So sad to know he passed. The population of authentically smart people is shrinking too fast 😞

[kirkharwood]

I enjoyed listening to him explain economics, with both a challenge and humor.

[bytedrsbabe]

I believe Mr. Williams may have known Christ as his personal saviour. In which case, he really is at peace and probably with Mrs. Williams again. It always amused me when he would fill in for Rush how he would talk about his wife, Mrs Williams and he always always referred to her as Mrs Williams.