Michael Arthur Williams

Michael 'Mike' Arthur Williams, age 70 of Atlanta, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, at Sacred Journey Hospice in McDonough, Georgia. A memorial service is planned for January 27, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Hope Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Mike, the son of Arthur 'Art' and Naomi Ruth (Bolden) Williams was born on March 29, 1953. Originally from Pennsylvania, Mike spent his youth in suburban Maryland near Washington D.C. with his mother and step-father, James Riley. Mike attended elementary, junior high, and high school in Bowie, Maryland. Mike was a standout athlete in multiple sports (football, basketball & track) and was best known for his speed, grace, and endurance as a running back and linebacker on the Bowie H.S. Bulldogs football team. Mike was named to several all-star teams and received many honors during his career at Bowie H.S.

Mike graduated from Bowie High in 1972 with several football scholarship offers. After being recruited by then Iowa State coach, Johnny Majors, Mike chose Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Mike had several outstanding performances on the field before suffering a career-ending injury. In 1978, Mike completed his degree in Economics. He joined a banking firm in Ames, Iowa but left to follow his dream of coaching football at the college level.

Mike met and fell in love with Cherie Buchman and her two sons Shane and Travis. They married before he took a coaching position at Western Illinois University in 1979. In 1981, Mike, Cherie, Shane, and Travis welcomed into the world a daughter and new sister, Amber. Mike coached at Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois, Valparaiso, University of Akron, and Malone University. Mike left coaching and worked in the corporate and private sectors for a while but later moved to the Pittsburgh, PA metro area to support his infirmed father, Arthur. Mike recently moved to the Atlanta area to be close to his daughter Amber and the joy of his new life in Georgia, his grandson James Michael Starr.

Survivors include his step-brother Albert Wright, ex-wife Cherie, children: Shane (Carey) Mossman, Travis Williams, Amber (Quinta) Starr, granddaughter Hailey Williams, grandson James Michael Starr, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his stepmother (Johnetta), mother, and father. Mike will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a dedicated husband and father, faithful friend, inspirational coach, motivator, and mentor for many.

Hope Funeral Home is located at 165 Carnegie Place, Fayetteville, GA 30214