Williams, 19, freshman Eagle Scout

A crowd of more than 1,500 people convened at the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington on New Year’s Eve to mourn the death of a UNC freshman.

Harper Williams died Dec. 29 in a car wreck in Wilmington. He was 19 years old.

Williams was known for his love of hunting and fishing, his giant bear hugs and an infectious positive attitude.

"Harper was just a fun guy,” said Sam Heathcote, a sophomore who pledged the same fraternity with Williams last fall.

“He was such a social butterfly — definitely the life of the party.”

His mother, Melanie Williams, said Harper Williams had a unique enthusiasm and a strong passion for life.

“He was the most unselfish person I’ve ever known. He would bring out anyone who might be on the fringes,” she said.

“He always looked at the good — that’s what made him so likeable.”

Above all, those close to Harper Williams said they remember him as the truest of friends.

“Anytime someone came into contact with Harper, he took all the time in the world to find out who you were,” said Mike Linden, a freshman who lived on the same hall as Williams in Granville Towers.

“He treated everybody like they were his best friend, whether he knew you for two years or a lifetime.”

An outstanding student at New Hanover High School in Wilmington, Harper Williams was voted “best all around” by his classmates. He also served in the position of vice president of his senior class.

He received his school’s character award for his ability to reach out to others.

He also received the Eagle Scout award, the highest honor awarded by the Boy Scouts.

Williams’ mother said that, more than his accomplishments, her son would want to be remembered for his character and devotion to his faith.

He was active in the Christian community as a participating member of his church’s youth group and as a counselor at an Episcopal retreat.

“He was everybody’s best friend and close to a very eclectic group of people,” said his brother Tram Williams, a senior at UNC.

“He was always looking out for someone else. Parents and grandparents always felt safer when their kids were with Harper.”

Harper Williams followed the footsteps of both his father and brother Tram when he pledged the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and Linden said Williams was looking forward to returning to UNC at the start of the spring semester.

He planned to pursue a career in business.

“He thought he was just in heaven (at UNC),” Melanie Williams said.

Williams is survived by his parents, Melanie and Bert Williams; an older sister, Ramsay; and two older brothers, Tram and Taylor.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.