Stephen Williams

Stephen Kelsey Williams, 79, Of Gorham, Maine passed away at Northern Lights Mercy hospital on Sunday, Feb 11, 2024 from complications of an illness.
Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Kathleen Williams (Carland), a brother Michael Williams of Newport News, VA, a daughter, Alexis Williams Reyes, and her children, Neka Rodley Alston and Alfonso Jovial Reyes (Williams) of Valley Stream, New York.
Steve was born on June 5, 1944 in Hornsbyville, VA to the late Bernice Frances Williams (Banks) and James Kelsey Williams. He spent his childhood in Washington, DC before relocating with his family to Jamaica, NY, though he continued to spend many holidays and summers visiting with his extended family of grandmothers, aunts, uncles and cousins in Seaford, VA. After graduating from Andrew Jackson High School in 1962, Steve served in the Army in the mid-1960s during the Vietnam war operating computerized equipment while stationed in Okinawa, Japan,. He received an honorable discharge upon the end of his service. At some point in his youth, Steve played semi-pro football in St. Albans.
Steve was passionate about the arts. He worked in concert promotion and had a remarkable vision for selecting upcoming musicians including a then 16-year-old LL Cool J. Following employment as a radio talk show host in the 1990s in Seattle and in Washington, DC area, Steve created his own theater company called American Music Stage with assistance from his wife Kathy. He put on great productions, oldies like 42nd Street, Annie and Anything goes. All the actors loved Steve, and he had a loyal audience, always inquiring about the next production. With the goal to coach the next generation of actors, he started a summer theater camp. With his strong commitment and contagious enthusiasm, he enhanced the lives of many young adults through exposure to theater. In later years, Steve and Kathy moved to Gorham Maine and purchased a small farm where they kept their two horses. He turned to photography initially with scenic Maine photos and more recently extending his portfolio to include studio photography. Steve was an excellent observer allowing him to capture authentic moments of his clients.

Given his football career, it's no surprise that Steve was an avid football fan. He spent many an afternoon and evening watching NFL games - never giving up on his favorite team the NY Jets, always hoping the team would find a new Joe Namath. After a life well lived, Steve's most significant role was that of a compassionate and devoted husband to his Kathy.
Visiting hours will be held from 4:30 - 6:30 on Thursday, Feb 22 at Dolby, Blais & Segee, 434 River Road in Windham. The funeral will be officiated by Reverend David Patterson and take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, Feb 23 also at Dolby, Blais & Segee.
Those wishing to make a donation in Steve's name can do so to the Maine State Society of the Protection of Animals (MSSPA) at PO Box 10, South Windham, ME 04082. To leave condolences to the family or sign Steve's guest book, you may do so at www.dolbyblaissegee.com.