(EDITOR’S NOTE: I had to share this Facebook post by Harold Williams, Chairman of the Grand Bahama Sports Hall of Fame, with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE and to add to my files. Rio was also one of The Bahamas’ most knowledgeable sports historians, with an encyclopedic memory of a wide variety of sports.)
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, September 23, 2020 — Committee members from the Grand Bahama Sports Hall of Fame are saddened to learn of the passing of its 2005 inductee Mr. Reonaldi “Rio” Williams.
Rio, as he is widely known, served as national commissioner for the Bahamas Amateur Baseball Association for 5 years and as a no-nonsense, strict-calling umpire from 1975 to 1987. Players at the time feared him and dare not challenge his calls. Rio always stood up for what he believed in and his word was his bond.
We offer our condolences to his immediate and extended family from the Progressive Liberal Party, the Swingers Junkanoo group and RH Culmer and the staff of Chances on Logwood Road.
May his soul rest in eternal peace and rise in glory.
Harold Williams
Chairman
