Williams was an instructor at Ironwood, Michigan High School from 1902 until 1904. He then became engaged in the lumber business in Delaware and North Carolina from 1905 until 1923. He was also interested in banking. Williams was Mayor of Millsboro, Delaware from 1921 until 1927, Treasurer of the State of Delaware from 1929 until 1933, President of the State Board of Education from 1927 until 1934, and deputy Motor Vehicle Commissioner from 1935 until 1937. In 1940 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention.