Gregory Duane Williams

Gregory Williams Obituary

Gregory Duane "Byrd" Williams Battle Creek Mr. Gregory Duane Williams, 50, went to be with the Lord early Saturday morning, September 13, 2008 at the Battle Creek Health Systems. He was born July 4, 1958 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Flora E. (Williams) Wanzer. He attended Battle Creek Public Schools and was awarded his GED in 1976. He went on to take classes at Onley Community College in Onley, Illinois and Grand Valley State University at Allendale, Michigan. Gregory loved all sports, especially basketball, where in high school, he excelled under the Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Turner's programs. He also competed against Ervin "Magic" Johnson on several occasions. He loved playing chess and watching sports on TV with close friends. He leaves to cherish his memories, two sisters, Phyllis E. (Robert) Austin, Cheryl P. (Rev. Jon) Anthony, and one brother, Carey A. Williams, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves to cherish his memories, very special friends and caregivers, Charles and Ruby Dukes-Armstrong, Gregory L. (Coach) Williams, Melvin C. (Butter) McKnight, Gary J. Tulin, Carolyn, Maggie and "Buffie". He is preceded in death by his mother; his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Lillie F. Williams; an uncle, Gene A. Williams; and nephew, Daquan T. Wanzer. Services for Gregory will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at the chapel at Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. The family will be present one hour before services to receive guests. Donations may be made in Gregory's honor to the charity of your choice. Affordable and Professional Services are entrusted to: Whitley Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 330 N. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Battle Creek Arrangement Office, 235 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017, (269) 488-2401 www.whitleymemorial funeralhome.com

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Sep. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Williams

11 Entries

Monica (Munchie) Smith-Durell

September 25, 2008

Carey, my heart goes out to you and your family. May the love of friends & family carry you through your grief.

God bless,

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Morris Johson and Family

September 23, 2008

Cary may god bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Judi Jenkins

September 21, 2008

Greg, you were such a wonderful uncle to all of your neices and nephews, there wll be a void in their hearts and mine that cannot be filled. You are loved and your humble smile will be missed.

Johnny (Smelt) Harrison

September 19, 2008

Byrd you fought a good fight and I'll always admire you for that. But God has something better and you deserve it !!See you when I get there! Family keep your head up

God Bless

Ms. Janice Bradley

September 18, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

ann brim

September 16, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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