Ozell Williams was born on March 2, 1937 in Camilla (Mitchell County), Georgia. He was the son of Johnny Williams and Lena Mae Dennis. Mr. Williams preceded Ozell in death. Prior to reaching a year old, Ozell's maternal grandmother, Carrie Bryant, came to Camilla and took him to be raised by her in Homestead, Florida. Young Ozell attended the public schools of Miami-Dade County where he graduated from Mays High School in 1953. Following graduation, he volunteered and enlisted in the United States Army, serving with distinction from March 26, 1954 until March 1957. Ozell attained the rank of Specialist Third Class prior to being honorably discharged. Following his military separation, Ozell returned to Homestead for a while before moving to Volusia County, Florida. There, he enrolled in Volusia County Junior College, before going on to enroll in Bethune-Cookman College. After leaving college, he returned to Miami, and began a career with Metro Dade County Parks and Recreation lasting for 37 years and concurrently with the City of Homestead for 20 years. In December 2018, Ozell and Wanda relocated to Tallahassee, Florida.

As a child growing up in South Florida Ozell had a love for the outdoors and water. You would often find him swimming in the canals. Although his Grandma Carrie would forbid him to swim in the canals and he knew he would face repercussions for disobeying her wishes, his love for water would lead him back day in and day out. He also enjoyed diving for conch and fishing. As an adult, his passion for water led to a career with the Dade County Parks and Recreation as a lifeguard. He was a self-taught and skilled swimmer, teaching many kids to swim. Kids in the Richmond Heights, Perrine, Gould's, Naranja, Homestead, and Florida City areas were taught how to swim by Ozell .Being one of just a few Black lifeguards in the South Florida area, he mentored many teenagers. He would encourage them to complete the Lifeguard Training Program. It was a program that positively impacted their lives and afforded them an opportunity to gain summer employment.

Loving the outdoors Ozell picked up hunting as a hobby and it was evident that he enjoyed it. He was very proud of his deer heads that were on display throughout the house. Well-known in the community of South Florida by both the youth and his neighbors, you would find him on the grill cooking. He was an avid cook and his specialty was barbecuing. Oftentimes he would be requested as the cook for family reunions, parties, and summer camps or just because. He has left a legacy in the South Florida community and he will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the community that he gave so much. In Homestead, Ozell was a devoted member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Upon moving to Tallahassee, he joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on Old Bainbridge Road.

On Saturday, June 27, 2020, Brother Ozell Williams , answered the Master's call and went Home to be with the Lord. His love and memory will be treasured forever by his loving wife of 44 years : Wanda Moore Williams of Tallahassee, FL; son : Joseph Lane of Tifton, GA; daughters : Sharon Williams, Ft Lauderdale, FL, Addonas Mitchell, Florida City, FL, Sonya Williams, West Palm Beach, FL, Kimberly Williams, Riverdale, GA and Kristin Williams of Tallahassee, FL; mother : Lena Mae Ferguson of Florida City, FL; 13 grandchildren ; 15 great-grandchildren ; brothers : Solomon Hill and Dennis Hill, both of Florida City, FL; sisters : Lois Pruitt, Dothan, AL, Yvonne Ferguson, Diane (Kenneth) Carrington, Felicia Ferguson and Paulette Williams, all of Florida City, FL; sister-in-law : Frances (Ben) Phillips of Las Vegas, NV; brothers-in-law : Charles Moore, Woodstock, GA, Ronnie (Rhonda) Moore and Kenneth Moore, both of Greenville, FL; along with a host of other loving relations and friends. Also preceding Ozell in death were his sister, Shirley Hill; and brother, Samuel Williams.