'Pastor Clarence Williams was truly one of a kind:' local pastor dies in crash
This is a developing story.
Local Pastor Rev. Clarence "Teddy" Williams died suddenly Thursday night in a crash in Bulloch County on State Route 67, according to media reports.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson posted on his Facebook about the loss of Williams.
"I went through this day in a daze, going through the motions trying to wrap my mind around the loss of my brother and friend, Rev. Clarence "Teddy" Williams," he wrote. "Twenty-four hours after our last conversation, he left us suddenly and tragically. He was a unique soul who was unapologetically himself but loved God, his family, his city, and Savannah State University. I extend my prayers to those forever changed by his journey through our lives. This one hurts."
Williams was pastor at Pilgrim Baptist Church of Savannah.
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Prior to his work at Pilgrim Baptist, Williams was a moderator for the Berean Missionary Baptist Association, Inc.; vice president for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Music Auxiliary; state music director for the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc.; chapter representative for the Gospel Music Workshop of America; chaplain for the Chatham County Sheriff's Department and for the Savannah State University National Alumni association, according to their website.
Georgia State Patrol could not be reached for comment.
Local bishop Thomas J. Sills at Connor's Temple Baptist Church posted on his Facebook about Williams' passing.
"My heart is broken to hear about the passing of my friend, brother, piano instructor and spiritual son," Sills wrote. "Pastor Clarence Williams was truly one of a kind. His contribution to the Savannah Community on so many different levels will truly be missed."
Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter covering Chatham County municipalities. Reach her at dambus@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Pilgrim Baptist Church Pastor Clarence "Teddy" Williams dies in crash
