Thomas Wesley Williams II

With gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Elder Thomas Wesley Williams II.

Elder Thomas Wesley Williams II was born on December 28, 1945, in Clayton, Alabama, to Pastor T.W. Williams Sr. and Missionary Vidie Williams. Raised in a faith-filled home, he was surrounded by ministry, music, and strong family values that shaped the man he became and guided the life he lived.

He graduated from Barbour County Training School (Clayton High School) in 1963, where he excelled in basketball and discovered a love for performing. Shortly after graduation, he moved to New York City, where he worked at the historic Liberty Theater while also working as a barber.

During his time in New York, he became known by the nickname "Gil." The name came after he borrowed a jacket from his aunt's boyfriend that read "Sgt. Gil." Following advice from a friend to keep his name private while living in the city, he embraced the nickname, and it became part of his story.

Music was always close to his heart. He sang with a group known as The New York Stock Exchange, often carrying the lead vocals. The group decided to make Buffalo, New York, their home base, so Elder Williams relocated there in 1970. Buffalo became a place where his personal, professional, and spiritual life flourished.

Throughout his life, Elder Williams served in many capacities. He worked as a Deputy Sheriff in Erie County, a Special Police Officer, and a certified NRA Pistol Instructor. He provided security for the Buffalo Braves, worked music events at the Buffalo Convention Center, and served as a celebrity bodyguard. He later earned his CDL and worked as both a passenger bus driver and a taxicab driver.

On January 1, 1976, he united in holy matrimony with Dorothelia Airvet Howard. Together, they faithfully served at Prince of Peace Temple Church of God in Christ in Buffalo, New York. Elder Williams labored in many areas of ministry, serving as a deacon, prayer warrior, Sunday School teacher, church van driver, singer, and trumpeter. In August 2001, he received his Church of God in Christ Minister's License, continuing his lifelong work of preaching, teaching, and encouraging others in the faith.

Music remained a lifelong calling. A gifted soloist, songwriter, composer, and self-taught trumpeter, Elder Williams released his gospel recording "Working On A Building" under Shurfine Gospel Recording Company in October 1994, dedicating the project to the memory of his beloved parents. The title song, "I Am Working on a Building," became widely recognized, and he ministered across the United States whenever called upon. He even auditioned for BET's Sunday Best, continuing to pursue his passion for music and ministry.

Following the passing of his beloved wife of 33 years in 2009, Elder Williams relocated to Columbus, Georgia. There he found a church home at Phillipians Church of God in Christ, faithfully serving in many of the same capacities as he did in Buffalo. He also served as an Associate Elder within the Western Georgia Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, remaining active in preaching, teaching, and music ministry.

Never one to stop growing or sharing his testimony, Elder Williams authored the book Juicing To Live: Beating the Odds One Glass at a Time, written just before his 74th birthday and published in March 2020. Through his writing, music, and ministry, he encouraged others to live with faith, resilience, and purpose.

Elder Williams was a man of many gifts, a singer, preacher, musician, protector, teacher, and storyteller. He could fill a room with his presence, his humor, and his unwavering faith. Above all, he loved his family deeply and leaves a legacy of service, music, and devotion that will continue to speak for generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothelia Airvet Williams, and his siblings: Susan Christopher, Napoleon Williams, Mattie Pearl Glover, Emma Mae Jackson, Mason Williams, and Thomas Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Joyce Lightner, Edtasha New, Vidie Williams, and Venzella Joy; his sons, Thomas Sease Webster and Thomas Wesley Williams III; his grandson, Leneir Puali Williams; his sister, Ollie Ruth Baker (Pastor Eddie Baker); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

His life was a testimony, and his legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know and love him.

The Homegoing Celebration for Elder Thomas Williams, II will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Philipians Church at 12:00 p.m.

Visitation will be on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Philipians until 12:00 p.m.

Progressive Funeral Home staff is privileged to serve the Family of Elder Thomas Wesley Williams II.