Darryl Eugene Williams

Darryl Eugene Williams, 63, transitioned peacefully on November 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, discipline, devotion, and steadfast service. Born on December 5, 1961, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Darryl grew up in the Shea Terrace community.

Darryl graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1980, where he was a standout basketball player. He later proudly served his country with honor. A retired veteran, he entered Active Duty in Richmond, Virginia, and concluded his active service at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.

Over the span of his military career, Darryl excelled in Unit Supply for 20 years before transitioning into the role of Recruiter for 7 years. After retiring from active duty, he continued shaping future service members as an ASVAB Testing Administrator, coaching, nurturing, and preparing the next generation of military leaders from the very beginning of their journey. Darryl also pursued higher education with determination, earning his Associate of Applied Science in Management and Supervision from Savannah Technical College in December 2007. In August 2021, he was recognized for Thirty Years of Service to the Government of the United States of America.

Darryl's commitment to service extended far beyond the military. He was a devoted and active member of Prince of Peace Church, where he served faithfully as a Deacon and Trustee. Ordained on January 20, 2019, he carried out responsibilities in financial accounting, operations, and groundskeeping, always with the precision and discipline that defined every part of his life. In his later years, Darryl also transitioned into AV and music ministry, supporting sound and production with the same quiet strength and loyalty he brought to every service role. He served Christ, his family, and his community with consistency, humility, and heart.

On March 8, 2015, Darryl married Brenda Y. Williams, and together they celebrated ten years of marriage this year. Darryl loved deeply and steadily, whether building a home, supporting a blended family, or showing up for those entrusted to him. His devotion stretched across every chapter of his life, honoring each family connection with respect, commitment, and pride. Darryl was a father whose love showed up in guidance, structure, and presence. His son, Devin A. Williams, was his heart, and Darryl found immense joy in watching Devin grow into the man he is today. He was equally proud to be a bonus father to his daughter, Arian L. Tyler, whom he supported, challenged, and celebrated as one of his own. A true sports loyalist, Darryl cheered for the New York Yankees, the UNC Tarheels, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. If a game was on, he was locked in, fully committed, and ready to debate anyone with stats in hand.

Many believed Darryl was tough, and he was. But behind that tough shell was a man grounded in discipline, structure, and purpose. He believed in doing things the right way, staying prepared, and holding people to a standard that would make them better. He was a protector, a provider, and a man of integrity. He was, simply put, "a man through and through."

Darryl leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will miss him profoundly. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred "Kink" Williams. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Y. Williams (Portsmouth, Va); his children, Devin A. Williams (Baltimore, MD) and Arian L. Tyler (Norfolk, Va); his mother, Frances Y. Williams (Portsmouth, Va); sisters Reva Williams and Michelle Williams (both of Portsmouth, VA); brother Jefferey Williams (Theresa) of Virginia Beach; and his mother-in-law, Marion Anderson of Portsmouth, VA. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, loved ones, and friends who were blessed by his life and leadership.

Darryl lived with intention. He served with honor. He loved with conviction. And he carried every responsibility, big or small, with faithfulness.