Hallie Williams-Bey ‘78

Hallie Williams-Bey, a Jacksonville native, relishes living a life of service. His older twin brothers, who were Army veterans and his best neighbor, Jessie Clayton, a Marine who died in combat, inspired Hallie to join the military. After graduating from New Stanton High School, he enlisted into the Marine Corps and fought in the Vietnam War from 1968-69 and was later stationed in Quantico, Virginia, rising to the rank of staff sergeant.

After his military service, Hallie worked for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. and later relocated to Jacksonville after the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offered him a job in accounting. He then decided to attend FSCJ, which was known as Florida Junior College at that time. In 1978, he earned his  Associate in Science in General Business.

Hallie saw a lot of combat in Vietnam. For many veterans, it can have lasting effects, both mentally and physically. He says getting his degree and participating in the College’s veteran program kept him focused. What stood out most about his time at FSCJ was taking accounting and science courses and his professors.

“Some classes were taught by veterans,” shared Hallie. “They knew that I was a veteran, and we would talk to each other more.”

In 2002, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Truth Bible College. Hallie’s education further prepared him for employment with the Jacksonville Urban League, The Salvation Army, Clara White Mission and his current role, owner of a tax preparation and notary public business.

Hallie now plays an active role in helping fellow veterans and knows the importance of connecting veterans and individuals to community resources. He is a member of the American Legion Post 197 Jacksonville and has also been involved with the National Vietnam Veterans Coalition and the Northeast Florida Veterans Council, among others.

In 2009, he spoke at a hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans’ Affairs about the need for building a new clinic in Jacksonville for veterans. Hallie’s efforts to help others have not gone unnoticed. Then governor of Florida Senator Rick Scott awarded Hallie and other veterans a Veterans Service Medal. In 2018, Jacksonville Urban League President and Vietnam Veteran Dr. Richard Danford Jr., presented Hallie with the Clanzel T. Brown Humanitarian Award.

Whether serving his country or the community, Hallie is focused on helping others, especially fellow veterans. He encourages alumni and students to do the same.

“Enjoy life,” he says. “Do something positive, help one another, and help a veteran.”