Respected property figure passes away after remarkable 60-year career

Harvey Williams, a well-known figure in the West Midlands property scene, has passed away at the age of 92 after a 60-year career.

Starting his journey with Robert Williams & Co in Coventry, Williams eventually took over the family business and later expanded into property development and consultancy as a chartered surveyor.

Even into his 80s, he continued to serve clients across the region, making a lasting impact in the industry.

Simon, one of Williams’ children said: “Harvey lived the fullest of lives and really was a tour de force. He was one of nature’s enthusiasts and threw himself fully into everything he did – family life, work, sport and charity.”

He was a dedicated member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), acting as its regional spokesperson and earning an Outstanding Contribution Award in 2010.

He also served as a Coventry City Councillor for 17 years, representing the Sherbourne Ward, and was actively involved in charity work, helping to raise substantial funds for causes like the NSPCC and the Snowball Charity.

Outside of work, Williams was a passionate supporter of Coventry City FC, playing a key role in the acquisition of their Ryton training ground and supporting players and staff.

His love for sport extended to cricket, where he played for Kenilworth CC and founded Shirley Park CC, where he continued to umpire well into his 70s.

Simon continued: “The Midlands, and especially Coventry, were at the heart of most things, and he helped an enormous variety of good causes close to his heart. Life was not easy after his accident, but it was made so much better by the wonderful care provided first by UHCW and then by the Helen Ley Care Centre in Leamington Spa – the family is so grateful to the staff there for the devotion and care he received during the last six years of his life.”