The son of William Preston Williams and Evelyn Frances Williams, Bill grew up deeply connected to the Maybelline family saga.
After William Preston Williams Sr early death in 1936, Bill spent much of his childhood in California, often at his uncle Tom Lyle’s Villa Valentino in the Hollywood Hills. This lavish estate, purchased from Rudolph Valentino in 1926, became a backdrop for Bill’s early years, surrounded by glamour, custom Packards, and the buzz of the cosmetics empire.
Bill’s passion for cars blossomed there, sparked by rides with Tom Lyle in a 1940 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria down Sunset Boulevard to sign movie-star contracts for Maybelline ads. This love affair with classic cars defined much of his life—he later owned treasures like a 1963 Lincoln Continental and a 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500, reflecting the Rat Pack swagger he admired. A memorable encounter with Frank Sinatra at Palm Springs airport in 1982 saw Bill sharing champagne from his limo stash, toasting with his idol.
Though not directly involved in Maybelline’s operations, Bill carried the family’s legacy through his charisma and zest for life.
Married to Pauline Mac Donald and later Gloria Rosan, Bill lived vibrantly until his death in 2006, leaving a legacy of car enthusiasm and Maybelline lore, chronicled by his daughter, Sharrie Williams, in The Maybelline Story.
Tom Lyle Williams, the founder of Maybelline, had a close relationship with his nephew, Bill Williams (often referred to as "Billy" or "Bill" in family accounts). Bill was the son of Tom Lyle'sThe son of William Preston Williams and Evelyn Frances Williams, Bill grew up deeply connected his Uncle after his father's early death. Their bond was shaped by family ties, shared experiences, and Bill's exposure to Tom Lyle's glamorous lifestyle, which significantly influenced Bill's interests and personality.
Bill spent much of his childhood visiting and staying with his uncle at the Villa Valentino, Tom Lyle's luxurious Hollywood Hills estate, which was originally owned by silent film star Rudolph Valentino. This time together fostered a deep connection between them. Tom Lyle, a private yet generous man, provided Bill with a window into a world of beauty, wealth, and creativity. Bill developed a lifelong passion for classic cars, particularly convertibles, which was inspired by his uncle's own love for custom-designed vehicles, such as the 1939 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria that Tom Lyle kept at the Villa. Bill's favorite car, a 1977 Clenet. was a reflection of this influence, and he went on to collect and sell many classic cars throughout his life.
Their relationship was also marked by shared leisure activities. At the Villa Valentino, Tom Lyle and Bill enjoyed swimming in the Olympic-sized pool, playing badminton, and spending time in the Hawaiian-themed game room, where they’d drop dimes into a slot machine. These moments highlight a playful, familial dynamic, with Tom Lyle acting as both a mentor and a fun-loving uncle. Bill’s exposure to this environment, filled with Hollywood glamour and Maybelline’s advertising legacy, left a lasting impression on him.
Tom Lyle’s generosity extended to his family, including Bill. When he sold Maybelline to Plough Inc. in 1967, he ensured that stockholding family members, including Bill’s branch of the family, benefited financially, further cementing his role as a supportive figure. While specific details about their day-to-day interactions are limited, it’s clear that Bill admired his uncle and was shaped by the time they spent together, particularly during his formative years at the Villa Valentino. This relationship blended familial affection with a shared appreciation for beauty, style, and the finer things in life.
