Larry Williams

Early Life & Education

Born in Bamberg County, Sheriff Williams completed his secondary education in the public schools of Branchville. His post secondary-education began at South Carolina State University. He later graduated Magna-Cum-Laude from Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology.

Appointment

Sheriff Larry Williams was elected to the office of Sheriff of Orangeburg County, in his first run for political office in 2000.

Career

In his first term in office, Sheriff Williams promised a statistical reduction in crime. He accomplished that goal and now Orangeburg County has one of the lowest crime rates in the state, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Crime Book.

He served on the National Sheriffs’ Association Crime Victims Services Committee. On March 3, 2010, Sheriff Larry Williams and members of the Sheriff’s Office staff raised the first Sheriff’s Office flag.

Awards

He was named Sheriff of the Year in 2003 during his first term in office by the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association. In 2007, Sheriff Williams was awarded the prestigious Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement. 

Death

Sheriff Larry Williams passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2010, in the second year of his third term in office. He became only the second Sheriff to pass away while in office.