Obituary of Kevin John Williams, Sr.

It is with tremendous sadness, that the family of Kevin John Williams Sr, age 55, announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and gifted musician. He transitioned from this life to be with His Lord and Savior peacefully at home with his devoted wife and family by his side, on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. He was born July 1, 1964 to Charles Sr and Bulillie (Henderson) Williams in Detroit, Michigan at St. John Hospital. Kevin was raised in Romulus, MI. He gave his life to Christ at an early age, began playing the organ for his father’s church at 8 years old, and continued for many years. He graduated from Romulus High School in 1982, served in the United States Air Force from 1987- 1991 where he was stationed in England and attained the rank of Airmen First Class. He graduated Cum Laude from Kellogg Community College in 1996 and from Western Michigan University in 1998 with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Social Work. He was employed as a Probation Officer for the State of Michigan, Department of Corrections. Kevin enjoyed reading, especially mystery books. He had a true gift and passion for music. He toured with the Heirs of Harmony for many years, who opened for the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Kevin also played for Christian Holy Temple COGIC, Dallas TX, Bethlehem COGIC, FT Worth TX and his home church Macedonia Missionary Baptist, Battle Creek, MI until he could no longer serve due to his health. Kevin began playing for Macedonia in 1991 under the leadership of Rev. Earl William Young when during a visit one Sunday he noticed no one was on the organ. Kevin did what he was led to do and jumped on the organ and began to play. Kevin also enjoyed riding his motorcycle. Often, he and Jennifer would take long rides. He also enjoyed watching movies with his son Kevin Jr. whom he loved, adored and affectionately referred to as “Buddy.” He met Jennifer LaGrand in 1995 and they married September 5, 2015. Kevin is survived by his wife Jennifer of Battle Creek, MI; his son Kevin J. “Buddy” Jr., of Fort Worth, TX; his mother Bulillie Williams of Fort Worth, TX; brother Charles “Chuck” Jr and Carolyn Williams of Graham, NC: sister Sundral Demoria Simpson of Nacogdoches, TX; nephew Charles A. (Tonya) Williams of Atlanta, GA; special niece Kalinda (Michael) Knall of Spring, TX; two great nieces and nephews. Aunts Earlene Gibbons, Ruth Ware, and Shirley Banks, special cousins, Lisa Bush, Lynn Henderson, Kenny Henderson. God sisters Zoreda Lane, Alisia Bush-Hardge, and Meredith Bush, Tonya and Chenika Anthony. Four brothers-in-law John (Robin) LaGrand of Phoenix, AZ; Wendell (Sandra), Brian “LA” (Dawn) LaGrand of Battle Creek, MI; and Todd LaGrand, Arlington, TX. Sisters-in-law Jessica (Reginald) Williams of Battle Creek, MI; Alison (Brad) Foster of Fort Wayne, IN; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts and family of whom he loved so much. He was preceded in death by his father Charles Williams Sr, July 12, 2012, father-in-law John LaGrand, October 23, 1995, mother in- law Nina M. LaGrand, December 13, 2018. A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held at a later date in Fort Worth, Texas. Visitation will be held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Timothy Troxler, 636 West Van Buren St. Battle Creek, Michigan on Thursday, April 16, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Funeral services commemorating the life of Kevin Sr at 12:00pm-1:30pm on Thursday, April 16, 202 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church 636 West Van Buren St. Battle Creek, Michigan with Pastor Timothy Troxler officiating. Burial will 10:00 am-10:30am on Friday, April 17, 2020 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan. Memorial tributes in Kevin Williams Sr name may be made to the Rev. Earl F. Young and Rev. William Young, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund at https://www.bccfoundation.org/giving/young, or by mail: make checks payable to BCCF-YOUNG, 32 W. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1, Battle Creek, MI 49017-3604.