Edward Williams, 62, of Shepherdstown, departed this life on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at City Hospital.

Born Aug. 10, 1949 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Edward Oscar Williams and Rose Lee “Schely” Williams.

He retired from Capitol Cement and was employed by Shepherd University.

Mr. Williams was a member of Shepherdstown Fire Department for nearly 40 years, and was the first African-American fireman in the state of West Virginia. He was also a fire service instructor.

He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Linda (Strother) Williams; one daughter, Amber B. Williams; three grandchildren, Makai and Jaiden Hughes, and Meisha Shookey; two brothers, Terry Williams of Washington, D.C., and Kenith Salley, of Charleston, S.C.; three sisters, Cynthia Dearing of Suitland, Md., Hazel Williams of California, and Latanyia Boyd of Orange Park, Fla.; special sister, Bonita Brooks of Shepherdstown; special friend, Charles Winfrey; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is also survived by sisters- and brothers-in-law, Laura Jean Boyd, James and Thelma Winston, Alice Carrey, Helen Carrey, Lynn Williams, Virginia Teller, and John and Kathy Johnson, and Charles Lee Carrey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Simpkins.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 21, 2012, at Asbury United Methodist Church, with Pastor Bropleh officiating. Interment was at Pleasant View Memory Gardens, with the firefighters’ last call service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shepherdstown Fire Department, P.O. Box F, Shepherdstown, WV 25443.

Arrangements were by Brown Funeral Home.