Simply CremationWilliam Franklin Williams
William Franklin Williams, 76, of Surprise Arizona, passed away on June 7th, 2020. William was born on August 8th, 1943, to William Williams and Hattie Terrell in The Bronx, New York.
William grew up in Manhattan and attended Central Commercial High School and graduated in 1961 before attending City College N.Y.C where he studied English Expression and Creative Writing. William also served in the United States Army from 1964-1966 as an SP4 (T) E4.
William was a kind and funny man who loved everyone that came into his life. He spent every day trying to be the best man he could for those in his life. He was dependable, adventurous, and loved those around him unconditionally. William loved to travel and was able to take a few “bucket list” trips before his passing. He rode down the Grand Canyon on a donkey for 2 hours to see The Village of Supai with his friend Tim before flying up to the top in a helicopter in just 10 minutes. He was also able to take his beloved wife Laura on a romantic trip to Paris where the pair was able to live like locals, going to the markets, seeing the sights, and doing everything they could despite him being ill. William was a man who cherished experiences and the people around him. He lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed all of the little moments.
William loved sports. Especially the Yankees. Growing up in New York his love for the Yankees was instilled in him from the day he was born. He never missed a big game and had no doubt in his mind that the Yankees were the best team around. He had a passion for health and fitness and was an avid tennis player. He also loved comic books and amassed a collection of well over 2,500 comic books. William was a fantastic cook. His seafood always turned out delicious and he made a special S.W Chili that he would make for his wife’s interest groups and it was always met with the highest praise.
William is survived by his loving wife Laura Garrett Williams, Daughters Darleen Adams, Marcia (Lynn) France, Leslie Fisher, and Bridgette Johnson; his son Mark Lake; his sisters Sandra Jordan and Ethel Williams; Sister-in-laws Ernestine Williams and Deidre Williams; his 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents William Williams and Hattie Terrell and his three brothers Fred Williams, Otis and Joanne Williams, and Robin Williams. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family suggests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
Please accept my condolences. May your memories bring you peace and comfort. It is an honor to serve your family.
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want refresh my soul he guide me into the right path for his name sake even though I walk in the dark valley i fear no evil with you at my side rest easy big bill we love you
We are honored and blessed to have known cousin Bill. He was truly a blessing in our lives. Remembering his wonderful gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. May God give him eternal rest. Our sincere condolences .
Hi Buddy;
Sunday Mornings will not be the same without us “Solving The World’s Problems”. We should have started a Business,
NAPIER / WILLIAMS “Know -All-Business”. I miss you already’
Chuck.
We will miss Bill, our good neighbor and friend! We will miss him a lot. We had lively discussions about food, music and movies. And, on occasion – politics.
He was our neighborhood poet and I will treasure his poems forever. Especially the ones he wrote for St Patrick’s Day. May he rest in peace. He went beyond fighting the good fight.
Kaye & Matt
Peace and love Bill
Thank you Billy for being part of my life. I miss you and love you.
Laura my prays are with you.
Love Deedee
You and your family have my deepest condolences. Bill made such a warm loving impact on me. He was an intelligent, peaceful, yet charming spirit with a cool smile and gentle heart. He will be missed.
I had the pleasure of becoming friends with Bill and Laura through our social group, The Grand Connection.
Over the course of the last several years, I have enjoyed getting to know both of them.
Bill and I have had some great conversations about jazz, New York, and life. I miss those conversations!!
We pray for comfort for Laura, Sandra, David, and the rest of the family.
Steve and Harriet
“Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
May the memory of Bill bring you comfort and peace.
Peace & Greetings
My memories of Bill are that he was always someone who was a great host and conversational. He was a gentleman and had a lot of pride in his love of exercise and putting in an effort to keep in good health.
He made you proud to know him.
He showed so much love for his wife Laura and family members.
RIP Bill
Brenda Johnson
Dear Laura, sorry to hear about your loss. We are out of town at this time, will be in contact with you
when we return.
God bless you and family, Robert and Sherrie Greenfield
Bill Williams was more than a friend. He was a life-affirming force of nature; someone who not only enhanced and gave joy to my life, but one who
gave me the gift of seeing myself as one who, flaws and all, merited his unconditional friendship.
I miss you dear friend.
Chet
Dearest Bill. Always remembered. Forever in our hearts.
Our love to you, Laura. We are with you.
My Dearest Bill, My heart is broken that you are not here for me to give you a big hug and wish you a Happy Father’s Day. The Creator called you home and took away all the suffering. You are forever in my heart and soul. I love you. Until we meet again on the other side.
Love always and forever,
Laura
Each of us extend our condolences and prayers for your comfort and peace. Laura, know that the Cummings family throughout Florida and Georgia will keep you and your family close to our hearts during this ‘valley’ experience. May every tearful moment produce multiple memories swathed in smiles.
Cousins Who Love You,
Cummings Family
We are honored to have enjoyed having Bill as a friend and neighbor. He was a special friend and will be greatly missed.
Always Harry and Carol
Bill, Nat and I will treasure our last face-times with you and Laura and the many many conversations from the East Coast as you became more sick. You will be in our hearts forever with loving memories.
All our Love,
Nat and Cynthia
Well my dear brother…you have finally reached the joy and tranquility of the waves. Needless to say…you will be truly missed by a lot of people.
I send love and prayers to all of your family and friends who knows that for every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.
I will forever cherish our friendship. Love you Condi.
Bill worked with me for a number of years in the early years of our company, lincoln healthcare leadership. He was one of a kind. Incredibly hard working. Positive. Fun. Adaptable. And colorful stories about nyc, sports, harlem, music, pop culture and much more. He enriched the life of those he worked with and interacted with, including mine. His memory is indelible. Best to you, Laura.
David Ellis
Thank you to all the Cummings family for your heartfelt condolences. The greatest blessing in life is family. Your prayers and concern is greatly appreciated. I hope that once we are able to travel again, that we can get together.
Sincerely,
Laura
Thank you David, for your kind words and condolences. Bill was honored to have worked with you and to watch your business flourish successfully. We both enjoyed seeing you and Miriam last year, when you were here in Phoenix. Do keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Laura
I had the pleasure of working with Bill before he retired and moved to AZ. I enjoyed the conversations we had about life, relationships, his beloved Yankees and just about anything. I am glad we stayed in touch and had the opportunity to see him and Laura last year in AZ. He was a kind-hearted man and I was blessed to have him as a friend. I will miss him. Love to Laura and their family.
Miriam
Bill was my friend.
Bill was my mentor, my teacher.
Bill was the voice of reason.
He was the older brother I didn’t have.
We spent a bunch of time together.
In NYC, we exercised five days a week, 2 hours a day.
It was a daily challenge to keep up with him.
Bill and I had a lot of laughs together, mostly concerning life’s absurdities.
Bill was one multi-faceted guy. He checked a lot of boxes: Broadway songs, movies, sports, recent Manhattan history, comic books, cooking, health.
His departure from here was way too soon.
Although, since Bill customarily slept for 4 hours or less, he did manage to stuff another 16% or so more living from every day than us 8 hour sleepers.
My sincere condolences go the love of his life, his wife Laura, and to his family, who he truly loved as well.
“Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.”
W.B. Yeats
Happy Heavenly Birthday , My Love. Miss having you here to hug and hold, but your spirit stays with me forever. The Rose’s that I left for you, signifies my Love for you. “Rejoice for love does grow”.