Michael Eric Williams

WILLIAMS ~ Michael Eric Williams, born in Jacksonville, Florida, September 10, 1965 to the late John Charles and Verler Louise Williams; step mother, Linda Williams.  He gracefully transitioned the sabbath, July 9, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida at Mayo Clinic.

Michael was raised in Brundidge, Alabama and Jacksonville, Florida, graduating from Robert E. Lee High School where he played on the football team.  He started working in concrete construction at the early age of sixteen during a summer job and later made it a career.  Michael employed young juveniles to give them a second chance; he owned several concrete construction companies.

He passionately loved his family and spending time with them; he especially loved playing with his grandchildren.  Michael enjoyed being in fellowship with his church family at The Bethel Church, under the leadership of Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Jr.  He loved to sing and fish, giving away very little of his catch. 

Michael was the life of the party, full of jokes and could always capture an audience.  He was extremely passionate about making people laugh and cooking.  At the age of two years, Michael ‘made-up’ a song, “I’m A Baby Man, I’m A Baby Man”.

He was joined in holy matrimony to Tonya Newsuan, October 8, 2011.  This union was blessed with four children and twenty-two grandchildren.

Michael was preceded in death by his son, Michael Jr.; grandson, Marquis; father, John C. Williams; mother, Verler Williams; siblings, Mary, John, Janice, Samuel, Pamela; uncles & aunts, Billy, Annie, Claude, Kathie Lee, Willie Lee; parents-in-law, Calvin & Roberta Upshaw; brother-in-law, Willie; sister-in-law, Lisa.  He is survived by loving wife, Tonya Williams; children, Shameka Carter, Navesha Green-Hart (Jamal), Victor & Miguel Marquez; step sons, Maurice Newsuan & Darian Artis (Tabitha);  twentyone loving grandchildren, Antwione, Antoniya, Alvin, Nathaniel, Prin-C-Yuana, Johari, Jurnee, Carma, Carmilah, Michael III, Miguel, Kamilah, Destiny, Tittianna, Zayda, Princess Zion, Afeniy, Zaryha, Yasiaha, Farrah, Jarad; step mother, Linda Williams; nephews & nieces, Johnathan, Latoya, Lueiana, John, Antonio, Tammy, Johnell, Aenita, Chiquita, Terry, Destiny, Lamonzo, Shannell, Naomi, Tanisha, Aelisha, Mikesha, Timothy; god daughter, Ta’breya; daughter-in-law, Sara McCullough; brother-in-law, Amelio Newsuan; sister-in-law, Geraldine Johnson (Jerry); a host of cousins, extended family and friends.

Celebration of Life Service for Michael Eric Williams will be 11:00 AM, Friday, July 16, 2021 at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist Street, Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr., Lead Pastor; Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr. Pastor Emeritus.  Family will receive friends at The Soutel Chapel Thursday from 5 – 7PM.  Interment at Restlawn Memorial Park.  Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904.924.9400

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