Cleveland Nathaniel Williams was born February 24, 1946, in Bay St. Louis, MS, to the late Lawrence S. Williams, Sr., and Sarah L. Williams.  He transitioned into the bosom of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 1, 2021.

Cleveland "Cle" Williams attended Valena C. Jones Elementary and High School.  Upon graduation from VCJ, he attended Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS; where he was a member of the Delta Devils football team for 4 years and received his Bachelor of Education in 1969. Cleveland began his career as a student teacher at Rolling Folk High School and then became head coach at Shelby High School. He later found a position in his hometown of Bay St. Louis, MS, where he was hired as an assistant football coach at Bay Jr. High. Cleveland later became the head football and track coach at Bay Jr. High School where he had the opportunity to coach his daughter in track and made his mark on the youth of the area during his 13-year tenure. His success with the junior high football program led to him being hired as the head football and boys' track coach for Bay High School.  In 1985, he led his team to a District VIII AAA title and was selected 1985 Deep South Athletic Conference Coach of the Year and Burger King Coach of the Year.  After coaching high school for four years, he retired from coaching and eventually became the Athletic Director at Bay High School before returning as a coach for the junior high football program where he had the opportunity to coach his son. During his teaching career, he taught physical education, health education and hunter's education. He also served as the Athletic Director for the Pass Christian School District until retiring in 2004.

After he decided to stay retired, he devoted time to doing what he loved, fishing and watching local high school football games.

He was a member of the Bay-Waveland School Board.

Cleveland was a faithful member of Valena C. Jones U.M.C. where he served as President of United Methodist Men, President of the Trustee Board, a member of the adult choir and a Sunday School teacher until his health prevented him from serving.

One of his favorite accomplishments was forming the Bay Youth Football program which was the first in our area.

Cleveland met the love of his life, Rosie L. Williams, while teaching and coaching in Shelby, MS.  From that union of 51 years, they had two children, Lawankia Williams and Clevan "Tank" Williams.  He was a devoted father and husband that cherished his family wholeheartedly.

Cleveland was preceded in death by his parents, Lawerence S. Williams, Sr., and Sarah L. Williams; and his two brothers, Lawrence S. Williams, Jr., and Thaddeus J. Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memory his only sister, Edwina Williams Pierce; his wife, Rosie L. Williams; his daughter, Lawankia V. Williams; and his son, Clevan "Tank" Williams (Erica Liu).  He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and friends who all loved "Coach".