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McKinley Williams Obituary

McKinley "Bug" Williams, longtime percussionist for the soul and R&B band Maze, has died. Williams was a lifelong friend of group leader Frankie Beverly and was there at the inception of the group when Beverly transitioned Maze out of a group called the Butlers.
Read the news obituary.
Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sep. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for McKinley Williams

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310 Entries

Christina Eula Ferrell

December 18, 2024

Bugs birthday is May 8, 1946!

Pattie Porter

December 17, 2024

Happy Heavenly Birthday "Bug"
I know you and Frankie are having
A good ole time catching up.
Missing the both of you.
God Bless you both in Heaven

Linda Campbell

December 15, 2024

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND

Charles Lumpkin Jr

December 12, 2024

Bug taught me how to swim and dive at waterview rec center in germantown Philadelphia.
I went to college on a swimming and diving scholarship at S CAROLINA STATE U. Charles Pumpkin Lumpkin

WILLIE S MOORE

November 13, 2024

I will always remember the energy that Bugs' brought with him every time he showed up! He was so very Special!!!

Deborah Patterson

October 3, 2024

Condolences to kin and friend. May your Faith be blanket of comfort now and in the days to come.

Mary Ivy- Thomas

September 16, 2024

Continue to rest peacefully Bug,you were definitely the standout in the group,getting your groove on all the while you and Roame kept that background tight. Frankie is now an ancestor as well,you two are back together hopefully still making beautiful music together. Rest well gentlemen you both are truly missed

Ms.Jarrius Jefferson Irwin

September 15, 2024

Miss U much McKinley from Philly Pa.

Christina (Eula) Ferrell

September 13, 2024

You and Danny were my two besties I miss you both, now you two are together!

Rosalind

September 13, 2024

Happy Heavenly Birthday my love. Post is late but always in my heart and on my mind. I still hear you saying I love you!! Until we meet again. You will forever hold my heart.

Your wife!!
Rosalind J

Nina Anderson

September 13, 2024

I was at the live in New Orleans show. Maze had my heart hook, line and sinker from then on. I attended over 15 of their concerts. They had the Super Dome at the Essence Festival rocking. God Bless them all. Instead of wanting to thank us, we say Thank you Frankie and Maze

Walter

September 11, 2024

To Bug's family, as we celebrate Frankie B. life, I think about Mr. William. I think God is pleased to get both in Heaven. Walter b. Desoto tx

Pattie Gabriel - Porter

September 5, 2023

Happy Heavenly Day McKinley, sorry I´m a few days late. You are still missed & loved. You were an essential part of my my all time group Maze. Continue your rest my brother.

Samuel Pugh jr

July 1, 2023

Just knew him from playing with Maze he was AWESOME with his singing...

Goldie

May 8, 2022

Happy Birthday My Wonderful Friend still Missing You May 8, 2022 .

Chi-Town Freddie B

August 20, 2021

Oh and i 4got to mention that the harmony between you an Roame is angelic...Rest in Peace my Brotha...

Chi Town Freddie B

August 15, 2021

Damn..I jus found out about your passing..Mr McKinley "Bug" Williams, Thank you for the joy you brought me an family thru your music...Saw Maze 2x (70's Chicago) an once in Phx Az (80's) and you were ALWAYS our fav member...Rest in Peace my brotha..

Harrell Parks

February 27, 2021

You are surely missed by all the maze fans.everytime i look at that live in new orleans dvd i can that soul just pouring out of you.we will always love you.

SB

November 30, 2020

Nice to see "Bug" remembered. He was such an integral part of the band and live performances. Gone but never forgotten. RIP

denise brown

November 29, 2020

I've never seen Maze in concert but, I love every song they have ever made. "Bugs" as he was affectionately known was always smiling and moving those legs to the beat. He enjoyed performing and his music, you can tell that he felt what he was playing. I've watched every concert via on the Tube. I love watching them perform. Rest In Peace and Sleep In Paradise Bugs.You will never be forgotten, those legs still moving to the Beat.

April 23, 2019

I'm a huge Maze fan saw him in concert night before his
Home going. I felt blessed to have seen his last on stage performance he was a true showman with such stage presence . The group is just not the same without him. He is truly missed. Rest in peace in God's arms Bug.

Darrell Wagner

March 27, 2019

This man enjoyed swithing up from one to the other and was the one band member that moved that left and right leg to the beat miss you bug

May 8, 2018

HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!!

ANOTHER YEAR HAS COME AND YOU ARE STILL MISSED. FOREVER IN MY HEART!!

YOUR WIFE

MS R JOHNSON

Kimberly Coffey

September 2, 2017

Gone too soon, but will not be forgotten. Prayers for the family in their time of remembrance.

Barbara Coffey

September 2, 2017

Gone But Not Forgotten!

May 8, 2017

Happy Birthday my Love, missing you each day but knowing that our love lives on each day. I know that you are watching over me from high. Love and miss you deeply

Your Wife,
Rosalind J

May 9, 2016

Another year Another Birthday gone ...Still Missing U...Love Eternal Goldie

Ms. R Johnson

May 8, 2016

Happy birthday to my husband, gone but never forgotten. Love you McKinley

S B

May 3, 2016

Thanks for the music. Miss your presence in the band. RIH

March 9, 2016

Still Missing U Bug McKinley.....Love Eternal Goldie

SHARON Perkins

February 26, 2016

One of the Greatest with the Band.BUG enjoyed and loved what he did, you could tell by the expressions on his face.I didn't know for the longest about his untimely demise.So sorry, much love to the family. !!!

November 23, 2015

Thank You....Love Eternal, Goldie

McKinley "Bug" you will forever be in my heart!

Betty Shaw

September 13, 2015

Betty Shaw

September 13, 2015

Always in my heart!

Patricia Simms

September 13, 2015

R.I.P Bug...❤I know you are making sweet music in Heaven...

MARILYN WIGGINS GREEN

September 8, 2015

MY DEAR FAMILY BLESSINGS TO YOU LOVELY PEOPLE. WE ARE ONE MISSIING MR. BUG ON STAGE. I DIDN'T KNOW HIM PERSONALLY JUST LIKE ALL OF YOU BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT WE AREE ONE. IGOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.UNDER UMBRELLA OF LOVE.

Michael Burton

September 7, 2015

Still miss those late night calls.

Deborah Bowser

September 2, 2015

My sincerest condolences to the family. May memories console you.

May 20, 2015

This is to wish you a very happy belated birthday. You are missed dearly and everyday your love keeps me going. Wishing you a blessed and loved birthday... Keep smiling down and guiding me forever more...

Love and miss you
Rosalind J

Nina Harris

April 19, 2015

I looked for your stage presence during the concert last night, and i could feel you jamming right along with the band, ive seen.Maze several.times since your home going and i always pay respect by looking to your side for you, Never ever forgotten..

Charlie Jones

November 22, 2014

R.I.P. Great guy and will be missed. He's playing in heaven now. May God bless his family and friends.

Beautiful

Good Friend

September 15, 2014

Beautiful

Good Friend

September 15, 2014

Marilyn

September 13, 2014

MY DEAR FAMILY,ANOTHER YEAR HAS GONE BY WITHOUT OUR BELOVED MR BUG. JUST WANT TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW THAT THIS MAZE CRAZER HAS NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU ALL. LOVE YOU ALWAYS MR SUGAR AND SPICE EVERYTHING NICE IS WHAT I CALL HIM. HE'S LOOKING DOWN UPON US SMILING SAYING WOW I'M STILL LOVED. YES.LORD HE IS. MY GOD KEEP YOU ALWAYS. YOUR MAZE CRAZEN SISTER MARILYN

July 8, 2014

Dearest Allison:

Words cannot satisfactorily express the sadness we all feel after hearing of the passing of your father earlier this month.

He was a true friend to all who knew him, his legion of fans developed through the music of
Maze or the personal side that we all were privileged to know and appreciate.

Like Frankie said, your dad's “heart was as big as the sky.”

His love of people and especially children was surpassed only by his kindness and gentle nature that he displayed to all.

Not a day goes by that I don't hear his voice, remember his smile or see him on stage doing what he loved most, making music and singing.

As you know, my friendship with him developed long ago in a tiny house in East Oakland. I enjoyed many special times with him over the years and I will hold those close to my heart forever.

He left a wonderful legacy and I have no doubt you will follow his lead. I know he was extremely proud of you. There is nothing like the love between a father and daughter. I know that firsthand.

May you take comfort in the thought that your dad is resting peacefully in the hands of the Lord. We are all better people for knowing him.

We continue to pray for you and his family and will do whatever possible to keep him alive in our hearts.

Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance in the coming months.

Peace be with you, Allison.

Our love and prayers always
Joe Wolfcale/Oakland

May 9, 2014

He & I celebrated many birthdays together before I left the Band, R.I.P. my best friend, so miss those late night calls.

May 8, 2014

Its been three years since you were called to be with the Lord, but I celebrate your birthday today and I will always love you now and forever until we meet again. Happy Birthday Baby...

Your loving wife,
Rosalind J

May 8, 2014

Its Your Birthday, but everyday is your Birthday now. Forever in Love - Goldie

January 16, 2014

Just Living another Day without You, Lost. Love Always - Goldie

Thelma Cannon

September 15, 2013

Luv u ways cuz!!

September 15, 2013

It's been two whole years, but I want to take this time out and say it's not a day that passes, that I don't think about the times we had while enjoying this life, but you had to go home, and on this special day I want you to know how much you are missed.
Thank you McKinley “BUG” Williams for the friendship of life. I truly miss those late night calls.

September 13, 2013

My Love for You will never be extinguished - Love Your Sunshine Goldie.

Sheila Glover

June 2, 2013

I light this candle for you and all that you mean to me. You will always remain in my heart, my BFF. You are surely missed. I think of you often.

Sheila Glover

June 2, 2013

Bug, my dear friend, I will always remember the good times, the happy feelings, shared with you. I still can't believe you're no longer here. You may be gone, but never forgotten. Much Love!!!

Lakers girl

May 9, 2013

Love you much and will alway kept the Candle of love in my heart for you. another year and it still not real that your no hear to talk mess about my Lakers and what going on in the music world. Our girl what a beautiful young lady she has become.

May 8, 2013

I hear that everyday in Heaven is a "Birthday Celebration". Love Goldie

marilynwigginsgreen green

March 21, 2013

Dear Family I Did Not Forget About You Guys I love You All So Much

March 13, 2013

Bug I miss you EVERYDAY, what Energy what LifeForce. You cannot be replaced in my Life. I finally turned the big "50" (Thank You God Father) and your gone. Remember we where surpose to Love each other until at least 100, but I will trust God for our Eternal Love - Goldie

Monique Williams

January 27, 2013

I am a fan of the group and seen your group live in Pittsburgh pa. Sorry about Mr. Williams he will be missed and the rest of the group and his family have my sympathy and condolences.

Marilyn Wiggins-green

December 24, 2012

DEAR WILLIAMS FAMILY, PLEASE DI NOT THINK THAT I HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU GUYS. HOW CAN I FORGET ABOUT FAMILY. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. HAPPY FELLINS AND GOOD TIDINGS HAPPY HOLIDAYS, TO MR. BUGS DAUTER YOU LOOK SO MUCH LIKE YOUR DAD. LOOKING SO FAB AT THE B E T AWARDS YOUN LADY YOU DO YOUR FATHER PROUD. I KNOW HE'S SMILING IN HEAVEN. TO MR. BUG'S SISTER GOD BLESS YOU. IM MAZE'S BIGGEST FAN IN THE WORLD. I LOVE YOU ALL BE BLESSED.

November 13, 2012

Still missing you Bug. Just thanking God for his Love for Our Love - Goldie

jim webster

November 4, 2012

went to see maze in tunica miss, after the show i saw bug chillin@the bar, i went over and introduced myself, he asked me all kinds of question with real genuine interest.i have just found out about his passing 11/4/12. and i am deeply sadened. i told him the first time i saw maze was@ the rick james throw down in philly, he said i remember that day it rained(which it did) he had me to feel like i was his firend that day, we talked for well over an hour. he was a very kind man and one hellofva muscian. my deepest condolances goes out to his family and friends. i know he's resting in peace, because he gave it to others like me so freely. God Bless you my freind.

jackie spurlpck

September 27, 2012

gone but not forgotten

Cynthia Taylor

September 20, 2012

You will be greatly missed

Gareth Lewis

September 10, 2012

had a chaance to see my favorite group in New Orleans with Bug, sadly miss RIP
Hope to see Frankie B and Maze but Nassau Bahamas.

Rosalind Johnson

September 4, 2012

McKinley,
It has been a year since you went to be with the Lord and I have missed you every day since. I know that you are watching and smiling down on me. I will always love you my husband and miss you more than time can ever heal. Rest peacefully my love.
I LOVE YOU,

Diane Addison

September 4, 2012

You are missed by all who knew you. Thank you for everything...

Nancy Curry

September 4, 2012

We pray to see you in the New System `Bug`...Until then may you rest in peace.

Elissa Batiste

September 4, 2012

It doesn't feel like you've been gone for a whole year. U definitely missed seeing you and talking with you this time around. You're definitely in a better place. Forgive my sorrow! I love u Bug! C u soon!

KELVIN SMITH

September 3, 2012

THE BEST TO EVER DO IT! I WILL TRUELY MISS SEEING YOU WITH THE GUYS! I'M SO HAPPY THAT I WILL BE TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO HER FIRST MAZE CONCERT SEPTEMBER 28TH IN NASHVILLE

Rachelle Mitcham

September 3, 2012

I've listened to your timeless music all of my life! You're like an extended family of mine..just like your music, you will forever be remembered. God's peace and blessings to your loved ones.

Happy Feelin's

Reba

September 3, 2012

Bug, Missing you and your wonderful smile...Always in my heart. God's Blessings to your family

Betty Shaw

September 3, 2012

Bug, things are just not the same without you.... that big smile of yours is truly missed.

Marilyn Wiggins-green

September 3, 2012

My dear family. Blessinngs to all of you guys. I've been e mailing from day one. This is yr lil sister. I miss him so much. GOD IS ALLIWING HIM TOO SEE US. IN MY HEART I KNOW HE'S SO HAPPY. TAKLING,WALKIN WITH OUR LORD WOW. MR. BUG LOVIN THE GLORY TELLIN THE STORY. I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH TI HAVE NEVER MET. SO WHAT WE ARE FAMILY. GOD BLESS IM A MAZE CRAZAR WILL ALWAYS BE. BLESSINGS LADYDAY.

A Toast to You My Best Friend!

Michael Burton

September 3, 2012

In Memory of my Best Friend:

McKinley "Bug" Williams of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. I Wanna Thank You for all the years of beautiful Music, Happiness, and Friendship.

Today is your day, I truly miss all the good and bad times that we grew from. It's because of our Friendship that I continue to provide pre & post productions, it's because of our Friendship that I continue to create my legacy.

It became clear with your going home that I should follow up on the long talks we had about this legacy thing, (I even plan to dedicate an event in your memory).

I didn't know how important my contribution to history was until "BUG" passed. Mckinley would always find a way to bring this up in our conversions, "No matter what your accumulation in wealth is, your awards or legacy in life comes from what you have contributed to the world not yourself". This was his concern for me, it wasn't until he passed that I really sat down and evaluated my life and what I would do next.

Here's to One Year & a Day.

A Toast to you My Best Friend.

McKinley "Bug" Williams, you will always have a place in my heart.

Michele Stoute

September 3, 2012

Michele Stoute VP Marketing with
Michael Burton Productions
McKinley'Bug'Williams the foundation and rock of our times with music history forever. Deeply missed yet has left us memories that can never be replaced...Bug impacked more lives here than one can even begin to mention and list...Blessing to all who knew him personally and those who knew him only threw his music..Powerful..Never forgotten ..Greatly missed ..Job well done...On earth as it is in heaven...His light continues to shine forever past, present,future and beyond..this candle proves this fact....With love and respect Michele Stoute VP Marking with Michael Burton Productions

RAY FARMER

September 3, 2012

I REMEBER THIS DAY LIKE IS WAS JUST YESTERDAY.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HART & SOUL UNTIL WE ALL MEET AGAIN IN HAEVEN.FOR THIE 1ST & ONLY SHOW THAT GOD WILL ALLOW..MUCH LOVE 24/7/365/MAZE HEADS 4LIFE..RAY FARMER (WASHINGTON,DC)

M.

September 3, 2012

One year....and a day ...still miss hearing your laugh and seeing your smile...and everything about you....gone much too soon.... I take comfort in knowing that you are resting in peace...I will always love you and will never forget your love...

September 3, 2012

Goodnite My Love - Goldie

MARILYNWIGGINSGREEN GREEN

August 12, 2012

MY DEAR FAMILY
BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL.
OUR MR. BUG HAS BEEN WITH GOD. ALMOST A YEAR NOW.
HE'S STILL SORELEY MISSED.
BY ME AND ALL OF OUR MAZE CRAZERS. BLESSINGS TO HIS DAUTER. SHE'S SO LOVELY. HISTOIC BET AWARDS SO GLAD
THAT MR. FRANKIE B AND MR. RONALD ROME LOWERY MADE HER APART OF. I LOVE YOU ALL
SO MUCH. I FELL LIKE FAMILY.
LET'S CONTINUE TO HOLD EACH
OTHER UP IN PRAYER. GOD IS GOOD YA'LL LADYDAY.

Chris Zulu

July 15, 2012

I grew up in Africa listening to Maze way back in the early 80's. Fasr forward 30 years later I am still listening to this cool music. It is painful I/we have lost a true icon. RIP brother

Nancy Lesesne

July 12, 2012

You will be truely missed here on this earth but you and your music will live long in our hearts. MAZE a lifetime achievement.

July 11, 2012

I've witnessed you perform with Maze several times in North Carolina. You were a great percussionist and singer.
RIP my brother. You will missed by all.
Peace!

LDS

a s

July 7, 2012

Rest in peace brother, just found out today that you pasted here in my hometown. God Bless the family.

Doris Griffin

July 6, 2012

You were one of the best. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Maze and we the fans will forever miss you until we all meet again.

Marilyn Wiggins-green

July 6, 2012

TO MR. BUGS FAMILY. ISTILL LOVE YOU GUYS HAVEN'T STOPPED THINKING ABOUT YOU GUYS HAVEN'T STOPPED PRAYING FOR YOU GUYS. I NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING HIM PERSONALLY BUT HE'S STILL MY BROTHER. NOT AN FALLEN ANGEL BUT AN GUARDEN ANGEL. YES HE WAS SMILING FROM HEAVEN JULY THE1ST. TO HIS DAUTER YOU ARE SUCH A LOVELY YOUNG LADY I AND YOUR DAD'S FANS SEND YOU LOVE. FAMILY STAY STRONG. BLESSINGS ALWAYS, I KNOW THIS I'LL DO MY BEST TO SEE MY ICON SUPER STAR AGAIN IT WILL JUST BE UP IN HEAVEN ON GOD'S STAGE. COME ON SOMEBODY. I LOVE U ALL LADYDAY

C H

July 5, 2012

To The Family of McKinley Williams - I just learned today of Mr. Williams death while watching the BET awards presentation to MFFB on line with my sister. Mr. Williams always had a smile on his face while performing - it was so obvious that he loved playing music and being a part of bringing joy to the audience. I say a prayer for you and please know that Mr. Williams played an integral part in touching many lives in a positive way with the vehicle of music.

Vaughan Forbes

July 4, 2012

I wanna thank you......for all the sweet music.....you will not be forgotten....R.I.P

Nikki

July 2, 2012

All Praises To Allah for McKinley Williams,his beautiful smile and great gift of music and songs.The memories left are legacies of "LOVE" Williams and Maze Families there are "BRIGHTER DAYS TO COME"PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL!

Jackie Gay Wilson

July 2, 2012

I just heard Roame on BET, paying tribute to Bug, and that's how I learned he had passed. In the early 70s I was their 'volunteer' driver and friend. They were still Raw Soul then but already destined to blow up. Mac was a positive force of nature, a good friend. My condolences to all his loved ones. His daughter is so beautiful, a reflection of his spirit. RIP.

Nikki

July 1, 2012

Mckinley was a fine man and musician.I loved all the percussion that he perfected into the Maze Band.My brother will surely be missed and difficult to replace.What moves through us is a silence,a quiet sadness,a longing for many more days,more words,more percussion.We must remember not just that you left the planet,most of all that you live.Your life and music gave many memories so beautiful that we will never forget.

Caroline Mack

July 1, 2012

Forever miss

July 1, 2012

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

R.I.P. My Best Friend!

Michael Burton Sr.

June 16, 2012

June 14, 2012

My Love, you called me "The Love of your Life", and for 34 years you proved it and never stopped Loving me thru it all. Finally Frankie and Maze will receive the " Life Time Achievment Award ". Funny how we talked about all the Awards you guys where Forgotten and Overlooked for, you where always so modest. I Know you and Sam are really having a good Laugh. I pray for Allie I know she misses you more than words can say. But you my Love have now received the "Greatest Award of All Time" our God and Father's Reward. This time last year we where looking for Allie's birthday gift only for them to send you the wrong diamond earrings, so you kept one and I the other. I will miss you everyday and my Love for you is still on Top, and "Congratulations" on you and the Guys Award truly a LifeTime coming. ~Goldie~

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