Bruce Williams Obituary

Bruce G. Williams STERLING - The Rev. Bruce Griffin Williams passed away Nov. 4, 2010. He was the only child of Bruce E. and Mable Griffin Williams. In the late 1960s he left Hampton Institute to join up with the communist factions working with the U.S. and outside, but after a few years he realized that violence would never bring true justice or lasting peace. For more than 30 years, he dedicated himself to serving the homeless and disadvantaged; counseling youth and adults throughout the U.S. and overseas; promoting inter-religious and interracial harmony and lecturing (including DC's Saturday School where professors donated their time to help others gain college degrees - he taught "Practical Application of Spiritual Principles"). His humility and compassionate heart to listen, his natural ability to relate to people of diverse backgrounds, his sincere passsion in lecturing and encouraging others to forgive, love, laugh, and serve touched the lives of countless individuals. He is survived by a loving wife, Rhonda; daughter, H. Joy and three sons, S. Victor, W. Joseph, and J. Michael; his "adopted" son, Belay Abere; wife, Mimi and their three children; and two children from a previous marriage, B. Robin and Tanya. Services to celebrate his life will be held at The Peace King Center, 1610 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, D.C., Saturday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. Inquiries may be sent to [email protected]. Arrangements by Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, Md.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Nov. 9 to Nov. 10, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Williams

4 Entries

Chris Garcia

November 22, 2010

Go your way, go in peace brother Bruce. Our lives went in different directions, the way things go, but I'll always respect you and what you sacrificed so much for. Maybe someday we'll see each other and hear each others stories with affection.

C. Garcia

November 12, 2010

Brother Bruce,
We are truly missing your physical presence but, feeling still close in the spirit. Now you are feel to share your love and learning with all those saints and sages that we study about. You devoted your life to teaching others about the True Parents, and Divine Principle and now you can show the fulfillment of the “Practical Application of Spiritual Principles” that you specialized in.

May our Heavenly Parent, The Lord our God, continue to guide your steps toward the Heavenly Kingdom.

Randy and Kumiko Francis
Unification Church
District Pastor, MD, DC, VA

WESLEY JACOBS

November 9, 2010

I was very saddened to learn of the death of my boyhood friend and college chum Bruce G. Williams. "Lil Bruce" and I grew up in the Chesterfield Heights neighborhood in Norfolk VA and underwent many life stages and rites of passage together.We left home for Hampton Institute (now-University) together and grew even closer.

As the years went by and we both focused more on our respective family lives, we didn't maintain contact as much as I wish we had. But whenever we did meet it was always a joyous reunion.

I always knew Lil Bruce to be a kind, giving and sincere person. He added something good to every life he touched. My prayers and fondest thoughts go out to his widow and his children. And may God grant you peace and comfort.

Steven Ellis

November 9, 2010

"At midnight I will arise to give thanks unto thee." Ps. 119. 62

My heart goes out to Rhonda and the family. May G-d hold Rhonda Williams in the hollow of His holding hands. So many wonderful memories of Brother Bruce and our times together.

It is almost midnight as I receive the news of Brother Bruce's transitioning. I am thinking right now, having heard this message around midnight, how that some Jewish traditions call G-d by the name (quality), "Midnight." For it is believed that G-d comes into his garden at midnight and is there known of his beloved. Tonight, midnight, on the eve of a new day, this morning, G-d has come into His garden. Bro. Bruce has responded. "At midnight there went out a cry, 'Behold, the bride groom cometh, go ye out to meet him. ... Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.'" Brother Bruce kept the night watch, and he made himself ready for G-d's coming.

The mutual sorrow we feel at this time pails in comparison to the reciprocating joy that flows inwardly, knowing that Brother Bruce is being received right now into the higher life, the very life which he loved unconditionally, having prepared the way beforehand through a life of uses. Swedenborg, the seer, is inspired to write, "They come into heaven who have (accept) heaven within." Bruce was a zealot for the Lord, as manifested in his enthusiasm which overflowed and touched so many lives for good. "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."

I will always cherish his memory, as a person who was single minded in his service for our Heavenly Father - Mother. Heaven will not be missing an angel tonight, for heaven already had an angel in Bruce Williams. Earth is gladden for his having lived - this angel, this messenger of the new and everlasting covenant .... And so, I sing aloud with my friend, Rev. Brother Bruce Williams, whose melodious voice oft filled the Temple's worship hour ... "It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold; Peace on the earth, good will to men, From Heaven’s all gracious King. The world in solemn stillness lay, To hear the angels sing."

Good night sweet prince, and may flights of angels bear thee to thy rest,
Brother Steve Ellis, Swedenborgian
And Fellow Wayfaring Pilgrim

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