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QE II driver Joseph E. Williams passes

July 12th, 2024 | Tags: Joseph E. Williams driver Queen deceased death
Joseph E. Williams, left, who had the honour of being the driver for now deceased Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to the [British] Virgin Islands in 1966, has passed. Photo: VI Lifestyle Magazine
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Joseph E. Williams, who had the honour of being the driver for now deceased Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to the [British] Virgin Islands in 1966, has passed.

According to reports reaching our News Centre, Mr Williams, who was awarded for his special service over 50 years ago at the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations in 2016, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

He was 82 years of age.

The former member of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) had said he was selected as the Queen's driver because he was a careful driver and that he was proud of what he had done.

The RVIPF has also confirmed the passing of Mr Williams.

When Williams drove the queen on her first visit to the VI on February 23, 1966, he was 24 and the Queen was 40 years of age.

He had said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of the death of the Queen in September 2022.

The Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online extend condolences to the family and friends of the late Joseph E. Williams.

14 Responses to “QE II driver Joseph E. Williams passes”

  • Mi amor Jewellers (12/07/2024, 13:21) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    Our sincere condolences to Mr William’s wife and family . I always found him to be a gentle , quiet, honest , and helpful citizen. He had a great compassion in him and seemed to understand “ human nature “ very well. A man who was confidential and always professional. May his soul rest in peace. Amen ????
  • life (12/07/2024, 14:07) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rest In Peace old Insp. It was nice working under your supervision in Vg. Quiet and humble.
  • Simply Amazing (12/07/2024, 15:03) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr. Williams was just amazing. He was humble, professional and had the biggest heart. He was a real leader and mentor, and always a team player. He will be truly missed. Condolences to his family and to the entire staff of Williams & Associates Security Ltd.
  • RIP OC (12/07/2024, 15:05) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Condolences to his family and loved ones. Very respectable Police Officer and person overall. Policing is a very stressful job and so many ex-officers have died over the last two years with others reported to be unwell. My advice to serving officers is to do your time and Leave time to enjoy at least some of your retirement.
    I do not see why some are still fighting to remain in the Force for 60- 65 years. You will just retire to die
    • Blue panty (12/07/2024, 17:34) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
      Some of them niserable have nothing stupid or just malisious
  • DSW (12/07/2024, 15:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sincere condolences to the family
  • good people (12/07/2024, 19:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh dear! Mr. Williams was good people-a humble, honest, and trustworthy person and a good businessman and he helped anyone, no matter who, as long as they were in need. I remember his days working with him as an enforcement officer at the social security board after he had retired from the police force. His leadership really motivated me and we remained friends for life long after he retired from the SSB, despite our age difference. Rest in Peace Mr. Williams. You surely will be missed. Condolences to his wife and family.
  • Voter6 (12/07/2024, 21:28) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF HAVING MANY CONVERSATIONS WITH MR WILLIAMS AND THAT SMILE HE HAS WAS SO REAL. REST IN PEACE MY ANTIGUAN BROTHER.
  • WOW (12/07/2024, 21:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow. We will miss his melodious voice as he sang with various gospel choirs condolences to his family circle.
  • Wonderful Man (12/07/2024, 21:41) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    A lovely God fearing man he was. He was quite a humble gentleman indeed . May his soul
    Rest in peace .
  • Reliable (12/07/2024, 21:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    For many years on our visit to the British Virgin Islands, we could count on Mr. Williams to pick us up from the airport, and take us shopping, to the beach, and wherever we need to go while on island. He was always on time, patient, and reliable with us. It is very sad to hear about his passing, and we trust that his family will have the strength to endure at this time. RIP.
  • good man (13/07/2024, 13:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Deepest sympathy to Mr Williams family. He was a good and decent human being. I grew up around him around the station as he and my father worked together as officers
    He was always pleasant and had the same character up to his end.

    On another note, why the stress on being the queen driver? Do we always have to look for some royal issue to characterize a person. He drove the queen for a few minutes. Ok, great, but he did way so much more as a police officer, retired officer and most importantly his contribution to humanity that can headline him. No disrespect.

    In the end hope he made everything right with his creator so he can rest in peace
  • home boy (15/07/2024, 23:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I had the opportunity to worked with Mr Williams on 2 different occasions while in the Police Force. He was a good officer. And then again while working in the Security field, we shared some good times together. A serious and humble individual. May his Soul Rest In Eternal Peace. Condolences to Ms Patsy and the rest of the f
  • Fred Williams (23/07/2024, 01:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My brother was and always will be a great man and always be dear to all his family We will all miss this jolly man who worked so hard to be good to everyone he met.I will our long phone talks every weekend. I knew something was wrong when I did ger a call on Sunday.God bless his wife Pat his daughter Jo-Anne her husband and her 3 children.Patsy remember that are and will always be a Williams.We love and respect you.


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