Hershel Woody Williams honored with new mural at Huntington Mall

Barboursville — World War II veteran Hershel “Woody” Williams is honored in several places in the Huntington area. The newest memorial for the Medal of Honor recipient is now visible in the Huntington Mall, between Macy’s and the food court.

“My hope is that people can learn from the way he lived his life and the way that he taught us, and a legacy that he left us,” said Chad Graham, Williams’ grandson and executive director of rhe Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Officially dedicated Wednesday morning in a public ceremony, the mural features photos from Williams’ life and a quote he used often: “The cause is greater than I.”

“When you were around him, you were a better person because he expected so much of himself that made you want to really fulfill your opportunity to achieve on behalf of others,” Graham said. “So for our family and for the foundation, it’s another waypoint, another reminder that we’re not here for ourselves.”

Williams’ family gathered all the photos for the murual. Natalie Nottingham, a graphic designer for the Huntington Mall’s parent company Cafaro Company, created the mural. She said her goal was to highlight Williams as a person, beyond what he is famous for. That’s why she included images from all stages of his life and a photo of him with his wife, Ruby.

“He was such a great man, and I was just honored to create something as a tribute to him that will be here for as long as the mall is here,” Nottingham said.

Joe Bell, director of corporate communications at Cafaro Company, presented a donation of $1,000 to the Woody Williams Foundation from the Cafaro Foundation.

The Foundation encourages the establishment of permanent Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in communities throughout the United States.

Emma Johnson, a West Virginia Gold Star mother, was recognized during the event with a standing ovation.

“It meant the world to me. It means everything when we’re honored,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s grandson, Marine Lance Cpl. Adam J. Crumpler, a 19-year-old from Kanawha County, was killed during combat in June 2005.

In addition to the mural, it was announced that signs reserving parking spots for combat-wounded veterans will be placed in strategic spots around the mall.

“(Williams) always made you feel like the most important person that he was talking to,” Barboursville Mayor Chris Tatum said before announcing the reserved parking spaces. “And I’m not saying he made you feel that way. He meant it. You were the most important person Woody was talking to when you were having a conversation with him.”

Graham said Williams would be proud to know the mural was created in his honor, with work continuing through his Foundation.

“I certainly feel his presence here today,” Graham said. “I know that he would want the focus to be on others, and it would be gratitude. It would be humbling to him.”