Two balloons shaped like 9s moved in the wind behind Rev. Joseph Williams before one blew away. But make no mistake, Williams is turning 99 years old and not nine.  

The World War II veteran waved and saluted as fellow members of the American Legion in Hawthorne drove by his house on Saturday, honking and bringing cake. The members parked and sang happy birthday, gifting an American Legion Hawthorne Chapter shirt.  

“I’m thankful, thankful. Just thankful,” Williams said.  

On Tuesday, the City Commission honored a slate of Hawthorne notables with street signs—Williams among them. He’ll now have SE 214th Street named after him, Rev. Joseph Williams Street.  

Born on Sept. 29, 1925, across the border in Putnam County, Williams said he went to school in Gordan Chapel through the fifth grade before walking five miles into Hawthorne for school.  

He was drafted into the military in 1944 and discharged in 1946, stationed in Saipan during that time. Sitting on his Hawthorne porch, Williams said he wouldn’t mind going back to see the island, but he doesn’t want to fly or float to get there.  

Williams retired from Goodyear after working 27 years. He also served in ministry for 36 years, finally retiring in 2018. He pastored at Ebenezer Baptist Church and Gordon Chapel Community Church. 

Williams also served on the Hawthorne City Commission for 12 years.