William Leon Prentiss, Jr.

Obituary The Magnum Opus of William L. Prentiss, Jr. Our Joy- May 5, 1964 His Victory- January 27, 2023 William L. Prentis, Jr., affectionately known to all as BB, departed this- earthly life Friday, January 27, 2023. A native of Richmond, Virginia, William was born November 5, 1964, to Mr: William L. Prentiss, Sr. of Richmond. Virginia and Ms. Rosa B. Prentiss of New Kent Virginia. William was quick witted: with a great sense of humor often keeping others in stitches. He was a selfless man who led with love, was kind to all, and most importantly humble - our gentle giant. His love of music began in the fifth grade where he was introduced to the flute. After strong encouragement from his mother about the commitment to playing, he received his 1st Bundy flute and the rest is history. Throughout the years, William also played the tuba, piano, and saxophone. In middle school, William met his lifelong friend Anthony "Tony" Anderson. Tony recruited William to play in his band The Brass Connection, where he dazzled the audiences playing the. flute solo to Ffun by Con Funk Shun. Formally educated in the Richmond Public Schools System, William graduated from Jefferson Huguenot-Wythe High School in 1983. During his high school years, William excelled as a member of the Junior Varsity football team and drum major of the marching band. Upon graduating, WillJam· earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Media as well as his endorsement and Masters in, Music Education from Norfolk State University. He furthered his studies at Shenandoah University and later received an Endorsement in Administration and Supervision from Longwood University. In 1983, William attended Norfolk State University, where he was a member of the mighty Marching Spartan Legion, Pep Band, Saxophone Quartet, and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. It was also at this time where he met the love of his, life, Diana "Dee Dee" Witcher. In 1985, William became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Pi Gamma Chapter. He served as Basileus (Chapter President), Dean of Pledges.,and Step Master to name a few. A consummate professional, William's career spanned an impressive 27 years across a plethora of school districts throughout Virginia and the Washington O.C. area to include: Potomac Middle School (Prince William County), Smithfield (Smithfield, VA), Norcom (Portsmouth, VA), Cardoza (Washington, D.C.), Huguenot (Richmond), and Booker T Washington (Norfolk) High Schools. In addition to his band director duties, William also served as the Assistant Band Director and Adjunct Professor at Virginia Union University. His last assignment was serving proudly as the Band and Orchestra Director at Meadowbrook High School in Chesterfield, VA. At his last concert performance on January 21, 2023, while serving·as guest conductor for the Henrico All-County Band, he stated to the audience in his closing remarks, "We just have to be kinder and gentler these days... less stressful. So from me to you, don't let the things that don't matter too much, matter too much". One of the- most influential forces in Virginia's music educaticiJJ history, William was an elite adjudicator, conductor, and clinician throughout the state of Virginia. Under his baton, his marching, concert, and jazz bands received over twenty-three (23) superior assessment ratings at the district and state levels. His marching band was the city of Richmond's first and only public school band to be named Virginia Honor Band. He worked tirelessly to help many of his students audition and receive college scholarships to various: colleges and universities. His professional affiliations include: National Association for Music Educators (NAFME), Virginia Music Educators Association, Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA), Commonwealth Winds Community Band, and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Musil: Advisory Board. William was an active member of his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for over 36 years. where he served as Basileus of the Gamma Xi (Virginia Beach) and Phi Phi (Richmond) chapters. He was, the international Talent Hunt Chairman for 10 years and was currently president of the P&G Foundation. He received awards for Basileus of the Year, The Founder's Lifetime Achievement Award, and several Omega Man of the Year Awards. He also served as chapter president of the Richmond Alumni Chapter and Parliamentarian of the Norfolk State University Alumni Association. Additionally, he held memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band and Phi Beta Mu Internation al BandMasters Fraternities. William also co-founded two professional bands, Opium Jazz (Tidewater) and Quintessential Jazz (Richmond). Of all of the roles William played, none was more precious than being husband and father. William fiercely loved his family. He enjoyed traveling and vacationing and most importantly; making sure his family was happy and taken care of, a trait received from his mother. William is preceded in death by his father, William Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 31 years. Diana and their three daughters Maya Vinice, Dara Symone, and Jana Nicole. He also leaves to mourn; his beloved mother Rosa, his loving sister Dr. Janice Prentiss Bennett (Paul), siblings Norman E. Washington, Sr. (Emma), and Rosalind Hill-Bey. Also left to cherish his memory his sister-in-love Vickie Webb (Ermie) and their children EJ, Jabari, Kanaya, and Gabbie; special beloved nephew Mahldn Washington and great niece Jasmine Washington, his eternal brothers of Pi Gamma Spring 85, and a host of beloved family, friends, students, colleagues, and band parents. William "88" Prentiss, Jr. - believer, husband, father, son, brother, musician, teacher, leader, counselor, confidant, and mentor. His shoes will remain unfilled, while his legacy lives on.

Tributes

William Leon Prentiss, Jr.

November 5, 1964 - January 27, 2023