In a testament to the enduring spirit of community service, Snellville has paid homage to one of its own. The city has renamed a creek in honor of Nelson Williams, a revered figure known for his dedication to local governance and development. Williams, whose civic involvement included tenure on the city’s Council and the Downtown Development Authority, now has a natural landmark carrying his name—the Williams Creek that meanders near the Greenway Trail behind Northside Medical Center.
Nelson Williams, a Snellville native, invested his life in the betterment of his city, serving its residents and participating actively on several committees. In a heartwarming revelation to Snellville.org, Kathy Bass, Williams’s daughter, spoke of her father's unwavering commitment. “He loved his city and seldom missed a council meeting and was an active advocate for residents of Snellville. Our family is pleased with this recognition of his many hours of volunteer service to the residents of the City of Snellville.”
Williams's journey through life came to a close in August of 2018, when he passed away at the age of 85. His legacy, however, continues to flow just like the creek that now bears his name, meandering from east to southeast until it joins the waters of Big Haynes Creek. His service record extends beyond the Council to other influential roles in the Urban Redevelopment Agency and the Development Authority of Snellville, making his impact on urban development and redevelopment a pronounced chapter in the city's history.
The act of naming natural features is no trifling matter; the U.S. Board on Geographic Names is tasked with ensuring consistency across federal agencies. The process of christening Williams Creek was facilitated by this board, an entity established in the late 19th century and solidified in its current form in 1947. They are the federal authority in charge of assigning names to geographical landmarks, a role they share with the Secretary of the Interior. With duties that span the domain of domestic, foreign, Antarctic, and undersea feature names, the Board’s sanction lends an official seal to the memory and recognition of Nelson Williams’s contributions to Snellville.
