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Alvin Williams Obituary
Alvin Williams, age 66, of Long Beach, California, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, surrounded by his family. Mr. Williams' wit, generosity, and kindness touched many hearts and he leaves behind a devoted family and community of people for whom his smile and support will always be remembered.
Loving father, son, brother, grandfather and friend to all, Mr. Williams is survived by his devoted partner, Carol June Anderson; twin sister Ilene Bacenas; sister Lynnette Trujillo; daughter Melissa Williams; two sons, Daniel Williams (Fiancé Shannon Buchanan) and Alvin Williams Jr. (wife Kim); seven grandchildren, Thomas, Abby, Travis, Grayson, Aidan, Presley and Tessa.
Born in Long Beach on October 19, 1950, Mr. Williams followed in his own father George Williams' footsteps by working for the City of Long Beach parks department. Beginning at the age of 18, Mr. Williams built a 37-year municipal career from the ground, up. By the time he retired as Assistant Director of Recreation and Community Services, Mr. Williams was responsible for all city-owned landscape properties in the City of Lakewood as well as the largest field staff in the city. A leader in his field, Mr. Williams' vision of creating a nature trail landscaped with native plants along the San Gabriel was realized when the state of California awarded its first grant for riverside trail projects to the City of Lakewood. An accomplished professional, Mr. Williams was also instrumental in creating the City of Lakewood training program to create professional opportunities for maintenance workers. But family was always Mr. Williams' top priority. Whether it was waking up to make everyone a delicious breakfast or showing up to cheer his children (and later, grandchildren) to sports victory, Mr. Williams delighted in spending time with his loved ones. Looking back, his children say that maintaining an environmentally healthy and verdant city was a direct extension of his love and appreciation for the natural world. The great outdoors beckoned to him in life and in music. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he was drawn to songs set in nature. He picked Bob Seger's "Roll Me Away" as his send off … "We rolled across the high plains, deep into the mountains, felt so good to me, finally feelin' free."
His Celebration of Life service will take place on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 2pm at College Park Church of God, 1901 Palo Verde Ave, Long Beach 90815 with a reception to follow. Please sign the guestbook at www.presstelegram.com/obits
Memories and Condolences
for Alvin Williams
15 Entries
Dale Arend
August 16, 2017
Big Al always made me laugh! I went to the corner bakery aug 15th been there many times. Never saw the "Big Al chili Beans." I figured it was Al saying hi!Thats what I ordered. For your memory Al.
L. M.
August 13, 2017
Extending heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort to the Williams family. May the hope and promise of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. John 11: 24 & 25
J.T. Wilburn
August 12, 2017
Love you Big AL! Such an awesome Man. You will always be remembered.
Anita Sheldon
August 11, 2017
We worked together for so many years at the city of Lakewood. We worked hard but we always had fun doing the jobs that we had to do one in particular was choosing a living Christmas tree for the city Council. To play a joke on our boss Dave Rhoda, we went to the nursery and picked out a gorgeous Colorado blue spruce. We also went to the trashcan at the nursery and picked out a very inadequate Christmas tree with a few branches and lots of trunk showing. We brought the trash can tree to Dave and told him it was the best the nursery had. His jaw dropped down onto his tie and he looked at us with almost tears in his eyes and said say it isn't so. So we laughed and said you're right it's not so . Another time you and I took turns running around the yard with Dave Rhoda's "Olympic Flame" we were so happy he sent it down to the yard for the guys to see. You were a great boss and that made my job very enjoyable.
Linda Adams
August 11, 2017
You were always very nice to me and always smiled.
The Spehar Family
August 11, 2017
Al, Kim and family- we are so sorry for your loss. Sorry we can't make it to the services today but please know you are in our thoughts.
Ginge Cochan
August 11, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you June and the rest of the family.
Ginger and Monty
Fiona Diaz
August 10, 2017
We are so lucky to have known you. Thank you for all the laughter.
Jeri Carter
August 10, 2017
Al... thank you for loving my best friend June! You two made wonderful memories that she will treasure forever!
You were just the very best dad and grandpa... I am blessed to call you my friend! I just know you have heavens angels busy making heaven even more beautiful!!!
Dena, Chad, and Miles Harvey
August 10, 2017
Al, Kim, June, Dan, Shannon, Melissa, Thomas, Gina, Presley,Tessa and to all others grieving Big Al's death, we remember him fondly and lovingly. We will cherish all of the family memories of holidays, parties, and vacations that we got to spend with Al. We are loving you all and thinking about you in this tragic time. Miles sends a big bear hug for all. We love you and wish for brighter days ahead!
Dawn Desrosiers
August 10, 2017
Love ❤ you Uncle Al
August 9, 2017
We were so cute at 1 year old!! The twins - Al and Ilene
August 9, 2017
My twin brother, Alvin. I was so blessed to have a twin brother like you, Al. I will miss your great sense of humor, your laughter, your happiness in everything you did. I will miss you singing songs at family get togethers - I know you are singing for the whole family in heaven. May you rest in peace with Mom, Dad, Pat, George and Mary. I'll see you in heaven one day! Love you twin - Ilene
Loved by all
Lynette Trujillo
August 9, 2017
Alvin, my big brother, you were full of life. You took care of everyone you loved. My heart will always carry what a wonderful brother you were to me. I love you with all of my heart. Give Dad, Mom, Pat, Paul, George and Mary hugs for me and I will see you all again. Rest In Peace BB
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