Al Williams

Entertainer, inventor-designer

By VARIETY STAFF

Al Williams, a one-time entertainer in his own right and husband of entertainer David Cassidy's mother, Evelyn Ward, died June 25 at Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center as a result of injuries sustained during World War II. He was 86.

Allton Charles (Al) Williams was born in West Orange, N.J. and was a big band singer/performer. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Army. During WWII, he was injured and was held as a POW by the Nazis  for three years.

After his war service, he became an inventor-designer, working on chemical plants, industrial centers, and more. Upon his retirement, he became a volunteer at VA hospitals, designing prosthesis and therapeutic devices for hospitalized vets. 

Besides his wife and Cassidy, he is survived by two children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.