Staff photo by Matt Fields-Johnson/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Judge Walter Williams, a Howard Graduate speaks at a press conference Friday at Howard School responding to pressures from the State of Tenn., to make improvements. .Former City Court Judge Walter Williams suffered a stroke on Christmas Day and is recuperating, according to his family.
In an email sent Monday to family and friends, the family said that Williams sustained “minimal permanent damage.”
The email, sent by Williams’ daughter Hillary Thomas, also stated, “We are confident that with proper rest, his superior medical team and your continued prayers that he will make a full recovery.”
The family asked that the public limit visits and inquiries so that Williams may adhere to his rehabilitation schedule.
Williams served two eight-year terms as Chattanooga City Court judge from 1991 to 2003 before going into private practice. During his time on the bench, he drew national attention for his unique sentencing practices, which included ordering people to get jobs, obtain GEDs and leave town.
He was featured in the March 2, 1992, edition of Jet magazine, and is an attorney with McKoon, Williams & Hegeman.