Man Found Dead Called ‘Everyday’ Guy

Family and friends who knew the man shot to death in east central Spokane last weekend say he was an “everyday fellow” with a tremendous work ethic stemming from his youth on a cotton plantation.

Ollie Williams, 45, 1909 E. Vanetta, was found shot to death late Saturday in front of 1511 E. Second just before 11 p.m.

The circumstances surrounding Williams’ death remain a mystery.

Family and friends were at Williams’ home in Morgan Acres on Tuesday, sorting through his belongings and making funeral arrangements.

They knew little about how Williams died, except that he had gone out with friends that evening after working during the day.

Investigators think Williams may have been involved in an argument before he was shot, said Lt. Jerry Oien, head of the police department’s Major Crimes Unit. Police had no suspects Tuesday.

The victim’s brother, Jimmy Williams, described him as an “everyday fellow.

Ollie Williams, who lived alone, often worked for his landlord, George Renner.

“Wherever he went, he was able to develop a lot of friendships,” Renner said. “He was a terrific worker, a great guy.”

Jimmy Williams said his brother came to Spokane in 1985 or 1986.

Ollie Williams was the child of sharecropper parents in Arkansas. Beginning as a teenager and for most of his life, Williams worked grooming horses. In recent years, he did maintenance jobs and lawn work.

Williams never had his own children, but treated other people’s children as if they were his own, said Vicki Conner, a family friend. “He was really good with kids.”