Born September 1, 1954 in Yazoo City, MS, Robert Jerry "Ben" Williams Jr.  was born to the late Robert J. Williams Sr. and Ernestine Williams. Ben was a believer in Christ, as well as loving husband, father and grandfather. He grated everyone with a smile, enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

As a child, he attended St. Francis Catholic Church where he also attended school. He went on to attend Yazoo City High School where he was an outstanding football player. He was a two-year letterman and was the 1971 team captain. He also captained the North team in the 1972 Mississippi High School All-Star game. He graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1972.

Ben, who was affectionately known as "Gentle Ben", became one of the first African-American student-athletes to sign a football scholarship at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). At Ole Miss he was a four-year letterman and the first African-American Ole Miss football player to earn All-America honors. He was also a three-time first team All-SEC selection and member of Ole Miss' Football Team of the Century. He was also the first African-American student to be elected by the student body for what is now known as Mr. Ole Miss.

After Ben earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1976, he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the NFL Draft. He spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Bills, during which he played in 147 games. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 1983 and named to the Bill's Silver Anniversary team.

After retiring from football, Ben founded LYNCO Construction Company in Jackson. He also provided guidance and leadership at Ole Miss by serving as a member of the Black Alumni Advisory Council, The University of Mississippi Foundation Board of Directors and M-Club Board of Directors; and as chair of the Minority Scholarship Endowment fund-raising efforts.

In the community, he was active in the Easter Seals Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Association.  Professionally, he was a member of the Association of Building Contractors and a recipient of the Ralph L. Wilson Leadership Award.

In 1992, he assisted with establishing The Robert Ben Williams Minority Scholarship Endowment, which supports scholarships awarded for academic excellence.

Ben was inducted into the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. He received the Distinguished American Award from the Ole Miss Chapter of the National Football Foundation in 1991. He was named an SEC Legend in 2002.

His final and most important honor was having the foyer located in the Olivia and Archie Manning Athletics Performance Center, name The Williams-Reed Football Foyer.

Ben was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, INC.

Ben is survived by his loving wife 44 years, Linda of Jackson, MS; one daughter, Aisha (Anthony) Floyd of Jackson, MS; two sons, Rodrick (Lisha) Williams of Tupelo, MS and Jarrett Williams of Jackson, MS; three grandchildren, Kalyn, Prestin and Jaxon; his mother, Ernestine Williams of Yazoo City, MS; two sisters, Vivian Williams and Irene Williams of Yazoo City, MS and one brother, Donnie (Minnie) Williams of Byram, MS; one aunt, Willie B. Daniel of Detroit, MI; a life-long friend, Virdell Edwards of Dallas, TX and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.