Williams, G. Mennen (1911-1988), served six terms as governor of Michigan from 1949 to 1960. Williams, a Democrat, was the first Michigan governor to serve more than three terms. In 1961, he became assistant secretary of state for African affairs. Williams resigned in 1966 and ran unsuccessfully for United States senator from Michigan. He was ambassador to the Philippines from May 1968 to April 1969. Williams was assistant attorney general of Michigan from 1938 to 1939, and deputy director of the Michigan branch of the Office of Price Administration in 1946 and 1947. He was born in Detroit and was nicknamed "Soapy" because of his family's connection with the Mennen Company, a soap and pharmaceutical firm.