Senate Resolution No. 2975

BY: Senator PARKER

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of Tony
Williams, distinguished citizen and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Tony Williams of Brooklyn, New York, died on Tuesday, June
6, 2017, at the age of 58; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Brooklyn, New York, Tony Williams
received his primary education in the New York City Public School
System; he went on to study Engineering at Hofstra University; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, Tony Williams enlisted in the Armed Services as an
Executive Officer for the United States Army Special Forces Command at
Fort Bragg before serving in Vietnam, Germany and Korea, and achieving
the rank of Colonel; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his valiant military service, Tony
Williams began working with local youth through the St. Stephen Outreach
program; he later founded the Cadet Academy to implement structure and
discipline into the lives of young people; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Tony Williams, the Cadets
served the community, volunteering at St. Stephen Soup Kitchen,
Community Garden, and reading to the veterans at CABS Nursing Home; in
addition, his Cadets have provided security for renowned events, and
served as the color guard at Madison Square Garden for the New York
Knicks and Rangers; and

WHEREAS, Tony Williams' religious experience began as a child at
Overcoming Church of God in Christ; he later attended Pilgrim Assemblies
in Brooklyn, New York, before becoming an active member of his uncle's
church, St. Stephen United Church of God, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Tony Williams served as a volunteer with
St. Stephen Outreach Ministry, and as a member of the YPHA; he also
played the drums and directed the church choir; he and his family later
moved their membership to Miracle Temple Church; and

WHEREAS, Tony Williams and Sophia Bullard were united in marriage on
December 5, 1998, and for nearly 19 years the couple showed a great
dynamic of love and devotion to one another and their families; and

WHEREAS, In May of 2006, Tony Williams became a Mason and served as
the Worshipful Master of Nostrand Lodge No. 5 under Mt. Nebo Grand Lodge
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, With a passion for the art of music, Tony Williams composed
numerous songs and taught himself how to play organ, trombone and drums;
he was also an extraordinary cook and photographer; and

WHEREAS, Tony Williams' commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his mother, Reverend Dr. Joyce Lee DeCosta,
Tony Williams is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sophia;
children, L. Joy, Charles (Fatira), Andre (Kelly), Margaret, Saleena,
Tony, Jr. and Hayden Alexander; grandchildren, Jabreel, Aliyah, Mikael,
Cameron, Maya, Serah Eylsa, Amir, Savannah Faith and Ibrahim; sisters,
Yvette (Mark), Cordelia (Andre) and Adrienne; nieces, Dionne and Mary;
nephew, Christopher; father and mother-in-law, Rufus and Maggie
Crenshaw; brothers-in-law, Terry, Reggie and William; sisters-in-law,
Ophelia, Mattie, Paula, Diane and Sandra; uncle, Bishop Marvin; aunts,
Mother Pearlese, Mother Callie and Reverend Barbara; godchildren,
Sabrina, Nitiya, Barbara, Lurlee Alexus, Nathaniel and Xavier;
sons-in-law to be, Miles and James; lifetime friend, Terrance; and a
host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Tony Williams leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Tony Williams, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Tony Williams.