Obituaries
Obituary for Michael Keith Williams
Michael Keith Williams, 53, died April 27, 2022.
Born to Leroy and Patricia Bowles Williams, Michael was the oldest of two children. Michael was raised in St.
Augustine Catholic Church and attended elementary and high school in Memphis, graduating in 1987 from Whitehaven
High School. Many friends and faculty at Whitehaven High always looked forward with anticipation to the wit and
comedic nature Michael so graciously shared to brighten their day.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his namesake.
In 1987, Michael chose Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia to continue his educational journey. Michael was
a proud member of Ogre Phi Ogre VII. He was a campus favorite, enjoying his freshman days in the infamous James
Hall. Michael joined the University Choir under the direction of Roland Carter and the late Royzell Dillard and this is
where many of his Hampton memories were created. Spring break tours and out of town weekend concerts were the
foundation for the relationships that would endure the test of time. Michael kept everyone laughing on those trips, but
nothing could compare to the after concert debrief on the bus ride back. The commentary alone was enough to bring
most to happy tears of laughter. When Michael wasn’t rehearsing in Clarke Hall, he was sharing time with the guys
in “The Yellow House” on Hampton’s campus. Michael graduated in 1993 with a B.S. degree in Computer Science.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me.
Michael’s greatest blessing was his son Zachary, born on April 14, 2001. He was always sharing pictures of Zach
and bragging on all of his many accomplishments. He enjoyed traveling with Zach, exposing him to the finest cuisine
and restaurants which allowed them to create memories that will live forever.
Michael was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He was somewhat of a statistician, knowing every player, and most
often every play, and he was very vocal and passionate about his team. He never missed an opportunity to brag on his
team, regardless of the record.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Michael entered the workforce in Information Technology at a pivotal time for technology. He enjoyed 28 years in
several capacities that included Senior Director of IT Audit, IT Management, and most recently Senior Information
Security Analyst. Michael was a true GEEK, but he was so cool about it. Everyone would call for advice to determine
the kind of equipment they should buy, what kind of television would yield the best options, and when Apple was
going to release a new Macbook, iPhone, iPad or AirPods. He truly enjoyed technology—even when others didn’t
understand—he would require you to get his “stamp of approval” before you made any purchase.
Michael spent many spring and summer weekends attending music festivals in the Atlanta area. He had only missed
a few Jazz Festivals, where he would tailgate and invite friends to join him–even those who lived in other states.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Lula Patricia Williams, maternal grandparents, Robert and
Jeanie Bowles and paternal grandparents, Frank and Marie Hall.
Michael will never be forgotten. His memory will forever resonate with his wife of 8 years, Atreece; son, Zachary
(and his mother Buffy Williams); sister, Cheryl Williams Sanders (Mark); nieces, Marquiona, Ashlyn and Layla;
nephews, Mark Anthony, II and Khalil; God-daughter Nadia Bent; Uncles, Aunts and Cousins; Hampton University
Concert Choir; a host of co-workers, friends, extended family, Pittsburgh Steeler Fans, tech geeks and music enthusiasts
everywhere. A legacy of laughter and love will remain with us until we meet again.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ2IGzHltmk
Read More
Born to Leroy and Patricia Bowles Williams, Michael was the oldest of two children. Michael was raised in St.
Augustine Catholic Church and attended elementary and high school in Memphis, graduating in 1987 from Whitehaven
High School. Many friends and faculty at Whitehaven High always looked forward with anticipation to the wit and
comedic nature Michael so graciously shared to brighten their day.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his namesake.
In 1987, Michael chose Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia to continue his educational journey. Michael was
a proud member of Ogre Phi Ogre VII. He was a campus favorite, enjoying his freshman days in the infamous James
Hall. Michael joined the University Choir under the direction of Roland Carter and the late Royzell Dillard and this is
where many of his Hampton memories were created. Spring break tours and out of town weekend concerts were the
foundation for the relationships that would endure the test of time. Michael kept everyone laughing on those trips, but
nothing could compare to the after concert debrief on the bus ride back. The commentary alone was enough to bring
most to happy tears of laughter. When Michael wasn’t rehearsing in Clarke Hall, he was sharing time with the guys
in “The Yellow House” on Hampton’s campus. Michael graduated in 1993 with a B.S. degree in Computer Science.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me.
Michael’s greatest blessing was his son Zachary, born on April 14, 2001. He was always sharing pictures of Zach
and bragging on all of his many accomplishments. He enjoyed traveling with Zach, exposing him to the finest cuisine
and restaurants which allowed them to create memories that will live forever.
Michael was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He was somewhat of a statistician, knowing every player, and most
often every play, and he was very vocal and passionate about his team. He never missed an opportunity to brag on his
team, regardless of the record.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Michael entered the workforce in Information Technology at a pivotal time for technology. He enjoyed 28 years in
several capacities that included Senior Director of IT Audit, IT Management, and most recently Senior Information
Security Analyst. Michael was a true GEEK, but he was so cool about it. Everyone would call for advice to determine
the kind of equipment they should buy, what kind of television would yield the best options, and when Apple was
going to release a new Macbook, iPhone, iPad or AirPods. He truly enjoyed technology—even when others didn’t
understand—he would require you to get his “stamp of approval” before you made any purchase.
Michael spent many spring and summer weekends attending music festivals in the Atlanta area. He had only missed
a few Jazz Festivals, where he would tailgate and invite friends to join him–even those who lived in other states.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Lula Patricia Williams, maternal grandparents, Robert and
Jeanie Bowles and paternal grandparents, Frank and Marie Hall.
Michael will never be forgotten. His memory will forever resonate with his wife of 8 years, Atreece; son, Zachary
(and his mother Buffy Williams); sister, Cheryl Williams Sanders (Mark); nieces, Marquiona, Ashlyn and Layla;
nephews, Mark Anthony, II and Khalil; God-daughter Nadia Bent; Uncles, Aunts and Cousins; Hampton University
Concert Choir; a host of co-workers, friends, extended family, Pittsburgh Steeler Fans, tech geeks and music enthusiasts
everywhere. A legacy of laughter and love will remain with us until we meet again.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ2IGzHltmk
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
6
May
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Serenity Funeral Home
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Service
Saturday
7
May
9:00 AM
Serenity Funeral Home
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Cemetery Details
Location
Calvary Cemetery
1663 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN
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