Bennie Eddie Williams

Bishop Ben E. Williams  was a charismatic soul, always eager to help, always curious about the burdens others carried so he could guide them into the F.O.G.

If you’re unfamiliar with the F.O.G., let me break it down: It’s the Favor Of God. Ben believed in people deeply. He believed in second chances, third chances...infinite chances. He believed in forgiveness, in redemption, and in every person’s ability to step into a life that’s righteous, blessed, and highly favored. He didn’t just hope for this he knew it. And he knew it because of the life he once led, and the transformation that shaped the life he came to live.

Ben was born to Eddie and Irene Williams on September 7, 1944. He lived an extraordinarily big life crossing paths with names and personalities so remarkable, you’d question if the stories were even real. But they were. He was a man of vision and passion, growing up in a time and world that didn’t always make space for those dreams especially for a man of his upbringing. Yet, armed with his father Eddie’s stubborn spirit and his mother Irene’s unwavering fight, Ben never stopped chasing what was in his heart.

A passionate cook and a damn good one Ben shared his love, his faith, and his wisdom through food. Faith in food? You might ask. And the answer is yes. Not just in food, but through food. In the preparation, the blending, the cooking, and ultimately, in the gathering around the table.

Ben preached. He delivered sermons that stirred souls and moved hearts. But if you really wanted to experience his purpose, to truly see Ben Williams at work changing lives, then you tasted his food. That’s where his spirit, his faith, and his real sermon showed up fully. He often said his best work came through the meals he prepared. And anyone who had the blessing to sit at his table or in his restaurant would be hard-pressed to disagree.

Here’s a lesson from Ben’s kitchen: Nothing was measured. Let your ancestors and your faith guide your hand. That’s how you’d know when to stop. Time, seasoning, marinades, it was all left to faith. He’d say, “We’re not meant to measure everything meticulously. God wouldn’t want it that way.” If you try to control it all, to find the answers in exact numbers, you’ll miss the blessing. You’ll miss the flavor.

Trust the plan. Trust that the plan won’t lead you astray.
Trust that the plan will come together perfectly just like a plate of ribs, cornbread, greens, and beans, finished off with a perfect slice of sweet potato pie.

The steamy aroma filled fog that flowed in his kitchen or the air at Crawdaddy’s restaurant was where you wanted to be. That was a good place. The place is filled with purpose, love, and divine flavor. That was the

Favor Of God.

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