Career
Born in Yungaburra, Far North Queensland on 29 December 1921, he was orphaned at age 8 and subsequently sent to boarding school at Mountain. Carmel College, Charters Towers. Williams was Dux of the College and when the World World War II broke out enrolled in the Light Horse.
He later transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force and went to England to assist the Allies push eastwards over continental Europe.
He was a pilot of Lancaster bombers with the Royal Air Force as a Flight Lieutenant in 186 Squadron of Bomber Command. In March 1944 Williams enrolled as an external student at the University of London in the Faculty of Law.
He completed his final Bachelor of Laws examinations in June 1946. He graduated with Second Class Honours in Law in June 1946.
Williams was appointed to the court on 13 May 1971 and served until he retired on 17 February 1984.
Williams headed the 1977 to 1980 Royal Commission Inquiry into Drugs. Williams had numerous other commitments, including being chairman of the Queensland Turf Club for 11 years up to 1991. The Sir Edward Williams Handicap is run on Queensland Oaks day at Eagle Farm, for his service of over 30 years to the QTC. Williams died in 1999 and was buried in Nudgee Cemetery.