Darnell Antonio Williams

DARNELL ANTONIO WILLIAMS was born on November 3, 1968, in Caroline County, Virginia. He departed this life on Sunday, July 16, 2006.“Tony” (as he was called by his family), attended Carolina County Public Schools, where he was and outstanding lineman on the football team. It was there that he also adopted the nickname. “Porkchop” from his peers.Tony was baptized in Jesuœ name at Ebenezer Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Richmond, Virginia, and later received the Gift of Holy Ghost. He attended the church faithfully and developed and apparent love for gospel music as a child. At the age of five, he began exhibiting signs of talent on the piano. From then on, his family endured countless nights of “practice” on the piano, keyboard and drums. Nevertheless, they continued to encourage him to cultivate his talent. His interest in music also prompted him to spend many afternoons in church practicing and developing his skills on the organ. It soon became obvious that he was no ordinary musician. In fact, he was extraordinary. Tony had no formal training, but was divinely inspired by God to play by ear (Proverbs 18:16). Many who heard him marveled at the way he moved his fingers across the keyboard. As a teenager, he became the organist for the Ebenezer Youth Adult choir. His reputation flourished. Tony became a mentor to other developing musicians and accompanied many local groups in Richmond and the surrounding areas. He also had the opportunity to interact with some well-known recording artists. Some of the people he accompanied include the John P. Kee Worship choir, Shirley Ceasar, Timothy Wright, James Moore, Milton Brunson and Karen Clark. He eventually became a promoter.On September 12, 1998, Darnell and his family became members of the Tabernacle, of praise Temple, COOLJC, where Bishop Mack D. Vincent, Sr. is pastor. Tony loved his family and enjoyed spending quality time with them. He will be remembered most for his cheerful personality, his individuality, his beautiful smile and of course, his musical talent.He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Venetia R. Williams; one daughter, Darnesha Williams; and three sons, Darnell, Dexter and Dustin Williams, all of Richmond, Virginia; his parents, Pierpont G. and Doris Y. Williams of Ruther Glen, Virginia. One brother, Keith Anthony Williams of Ladysmith, Virginia; one devoted God-brother, Lloyd Dudley of Ruther Glen, Virginia; one God-sister, Monica Dudley of Ladysmith, Virginia; his maternal grandparents, Earl B. and Mary K. Dudley of Woodford, Virginia; his paternal grandparents, Pierpont and Sra Francis Williams of Woodford, Virginia; three nephews, Justin Bailey of Ladysmith, Virginia and Lyman, Jr. and Brandon Clark of Richmond, Virginia; his father-in-law, Edward Martin, Sr., and his mother-in-law, Rosa L. Martin; one brother-in-law, Edward Martin of Richmond, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Sheila Clark (Lyman) and Terri Paige (Sherwood), of Richmond, Virginia; four uncles, Earl Dudley, Jr., (Marsha), James Dudley (Sharon), Alban Dudley (Maranda), and Raynard Dudley, four aunts, Jackie Brooks (Freddie), Devoted Aunt Brenda Apperson, Jean Dudley, Joan Dudley and Maria Williams. A host of other relatives and friends, five devoted Demetrius Witherspoon, Clemmon Hough, III, Dwayne Daniels, James “Tiny” Smith and Melvin Boykins; four devoted spiritual leaders: Bishop Mack Vincent, Sr., Elder James F. Dudley, Rev. Rodney Hunter and Rev. Rudolph Sykes.

Tributes

Darnell Antonio Williams

November 3, 1968 - July 16, 2006