SPC MICHAEL LEON WILLIAMS
105th Military Police Company
Army
Spc. Michael L. Williams, 46, of Buffalo, N.Y.
Assigned to the 105th Military Police Company, Army National Guard,
based in New York
Killed in action Oct. 17, 2003 when his vehicle ran over an improvised
explosive device near Baghdad.
PHOTO FROM MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR
SPC WILLIAMS ON OCTOBER 3, 2003
(photo from 504th Military Police Battalion Newsletter)
MEMORIAL POSTED AT "THE FINAL ROLL CALL"
(http://www.thefinalrollcall.us/bios/williams-ml.htm)
SPECIALIST
MICHAEL LEON WILLIAMS
United States Army
September 11, 1957 - October 17, 2003
Michael Leon Williams devoted husband, beloved father and cherished grandfather was born in Buffalo, New York on September 11, 1957 to Verlin and Bernice Williams. On October 17, 2003 he was tragically taken from us during a tour of duty in Iraq.
Michael received his education in the Buffalo and Lackawanna public school systems and graduated from Lackawanna High School in 1976. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1977 and served two years on active duty. After being honorably discharged, he joined the New York Army National Guard and was assigned to the 105th Military Police Company.
In August 1984, Michael took a position as a Corrections Officer with the New York State Department of Correctional Services and began his training at the Harriman Training Academy. After graduating from Harriman, Mike completed on-the-job training at the Attica Correctional Facility and was then given orders to report to Sing Sing Correctional Facility. He later worked at Wyoming and Collins Correctional Facilities before moving on to Gowanda Correctional Facility in 1994.
In September 1999, Mike transferred to the Inspector General's office, a unit of the New York State Department of Correctional Services, which consists of a team of ten investigators. In this capacity, he investigated sex crimes allegations against both inmates and staff.
In September 1977, Michael married the former Darlene Jackson of Lackawanna, New York and with that union was blessed with two wonderful daughters, Nicole and Monique. Michael accepted Christ in his life in 1997, and united with the Church of God of Prophecy.
Later in life he met and married the former Carolyn Lane on November 2, 1995. Carolyn and Michael enriched each other's lives with their love for Christ and one another. Michael had many hobbies which included playing tennis, riding motorcycles, bowling, shopping (Michael loved a sale) and taking neighborhood children for ice cream. He was also a member and road captain for the God's Armor Bearers, an affiliation of the Christian Motorcycle Association. In 1999, Michael and his family united with the Elm Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Pastor T. Anthony Bronner.
Mike will be forever remembered for his boyish smile, his sense of humor, his kindness and generosity. Most of all, Mike loved and enjoyed the time spent with his family.
He leaves behind to cherish his precious memory, his loving wife; Carolyn, his father Bennie Williams, two daughters; Nicole (Cedric) Adams and Monique Williams, two step-daughters; Michelle Wright and LaToya Underwood, three granddaughters, Damari Burgess, Cydney Adams and Ceayra Phillips; three sisters, Judy Moses, Felicia (Chris) Hamm and Brandy Williams, three brothers; Lawrence, Roland and Bennie Williams III. His mother, Verlin Williams-Rhodes and his brother Bennie Williams Jr. preceded Michael in death. He will also be lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, and especially Mama Cross and Papa Ernie.
Bio provided by: Stephen K. Trynosky - 1LT,MS,USAR
United States Army
September 11, 1957 - October 17, 2003
Michael Leon Williams devoted husband, beloved father and cherished grandfather was born in Buffalo, New York on September 11, 1957 to Verlin and Bernice Williams. On October 17, 2003 he was tragically taken from us during a tour of duty in Iraq.
Michael received his education in the Buffalo and Lackawanna public school systems and graduated from Lackawanna High School in 1976. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1977 and served two years on active duty. After being honorably discharged, he joined the New York Army National Guard and was assigned to the 105th Military Police Company.
In August 1984, Michael took a position as a Corrections Officer with the New York State Department of Correctional Services and began his training at the Harriman Training Academy. After graduating from Harriman, Mike completed on-the-job training at the Attica Correctional Facility and was then given orders to report to Sing Sing Correctional Facility. He later worked at Wyoming and Collins Correctional Facilities before moving on to Gowanda Correctional Facility in 1994.
In September 1999, Mike transferred to the Inspector General's office, a unit of the New York State Department of Correctional Services, which consists of a team of ten investigators. In this capacity, he investigated sex crimes allegations against both inmates and staff.
In September 1977, Michael married the former Darlene Jackson of Lackawanna, New York and with that union was blessed with two wonderful daughters, Nicole and Monique. Michael accepted Christ in his life in 1997, and united with the Church of God of Prophecy.
Later in life he met and married the former Carolyn Lane on November 2, 1995. Carolyn and Michael enriched each other's lives with their love for Christ and one another. Michael had many hobbies which included playing tennis, riding motorcycles, bowling, shopping (Michael loved a sale) and taking neighborhood children for ice cream. He was also a member and road captain for the God's Armor Bearers, an affiliation of the Christian Motorcycle Association. In 1999, Michael and his family united with the Elm Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Pastor T. Anthony Bronner.
Mike will be forever remembered for his boyish smile, his sense of humor, his kindness and generosity. Most of all, Mike loved and enjoyed the time spent with his family.
He leaves behind to cherish his precious memory, his loving wife; Carolyn, his father Bennie Williams, two daughters; Nicole (Cedric) Adams and Monique Williams, two step-daughters; Michelle Wright and LaToya Underwood, three granddaughters, Damari Burgess, Cydney Adams and Ceayra Phillips; three sisters, Judy Moses, Felicia (Chris) Hamm and Brandy Williams, three brothers; Lawrence, Roland and Bennie Williams III. His mother, Verlin Williams-Rhodes and his brother Bennie Williams Jr. preceded Michael in death. He will also be lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, and especially Mama Cross and Papa Ernie.
Bio provided by: Stephen K. Trynosky - 1LT,MS,USAR
SPC MICHAEL L. WILLIAMS
(www.militarycity.com)
Spc. Michael Williams re-enlisted in
the National Guard, over some family member's objections, after the
Sept. 11 attacks, which occurred on his 44th birthday. "You could not
change his mind," said his cousin James Robbins said. "He felt strongly
about fighting for his country." The 46-year-old Williams was killed
Oct. 17 when his vehicle ran over an explosive while returning to a
camp near Baghdad. The Buffalo, N.Y., resident was deployed in
February. Williams, described as deeply religious and an avid biker,
worked for the Inspector General's Office of the New York state
Department of Correctional Services. "He was always looking out for the
good of everybody," said John Lempke, deputy superintendent for
security at the state's Gowanda prison where Williams once worked. "He
always had the biggest smile on his face that you ever saw on anybody."
Survivors include his wife, two daughters and two stepdaughters and
three grandchildren.
