Ralph "Pete" Williams, a standout football player for the U.S. Naval Academy and a legendary Southeastern Conference official who was presented the NFF Outstanding Football Official Award in 1990, passed away on July 4. He was 98.
Born on January 7, 1927, Williams earned the nickname "Pistol Pete" as soon as he stepped onto the football field at Annapolis—a nod to his quick moves and explosive style. A dynamic halfback, Williams played for the Midshipmen from 1946 to 1948 after starting on the Plebe team in 1945. Despite a setback due to injury in 1947, he returned to reclaim his starting role and was elected co-captain by his teammates during his final season. Known for his versatility, he could run, pass, and kick, and also competed as a sprinter on Navy's track team. He played in both the Shrine North-South game and the College All-Star game against the New York Giants following his collegiate career.
After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1949, Williams served aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and went on to earn a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Florida in 1957.
That same year, he began what would become a 26-year career as a college football official in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), officiating from 1957 to 1983. During his tenure, he worked 235 regular season games and 26 bowl games, earning a national reputation for fairness, precision, and integrity. He held several leadership roles within the SEC officiating ranks, including president, chief referee, and membership on the Coaches and Officials Committee.
In 1990, he received the National Football Foundation's Outstanding Football Official Award for his service to the game. His official citation lauded him for "outstanding officiating in intercollegiate competition, his sportsmanship, integrity, character and his contribution to the sport of football."
Professionally, Williams built a successful career as a civil engineer, rising to the role of vice president at Miami Crushed Rock, Inc., and later working as a consulting engineer. He remained deeply engaged in civic and community life, serving as an Elder and Trustee at the First Presbyterian Church of Miami, staying active in the National Guard, and participating in local sports and civic organizations, including the Orange Bowl Committee and the Miami Touchdown Club.
Reflecting on his time as a college football official, Williams once said, "It was a great and wonderful experience. I loved playing football in high school and at the Naval Academy, and working as an official kept me close to the college game. What could be better?"
Upon learning of being honored by the Hall of Fame, he called it "a great compliment," adding, "Every time I stepped on a football field I tried to give it the very best I had. It is a particular pleasure to know that others associated with this great game feel my work was worthy of this high honor."
Details regarding a memorial service are pending. Click here for his obituary.
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