Leroy Williams

Leroy Williams December 4, 1921 – February 4, 2008

Born to Mabel Countee and Dennis Williams in Alexandria, Louisiana. Leroy was an only child. His parents did not stay together for long after his birth. They soon separated and Mabel raised Leroy on her own with the support of her family. Mabel later met Jack Johnson whom she married and the two of them raised Leroy together as they taught him all the basic principles of life and how to be a strong , respectable young man in the community. Leroy shared a very rich and fulfilling childhood ; his parents taught him the values of an education. Leroy did not benefit from a formal education. His lessons were taught in a one room country school house during the Depression years of the 1920’s and early thirties. He grew up to become a skilled carpenter as his profession. Loyalty, dependability, honesty and being trustworthy were synonymous with his name. Leroy and his parents forged a very strong bond as Mabel and Jack raised him to be a son that they would forever be proud of. They brought him to Christ during his early years and he joined BiRapid Baptist Church in Alexandria. He carried on his faith and a walk with the Lord the remainder of his life. Leroy joined the US Army during World War II where he served as an infantry man and a truck driver from September 19, 1941 and was Honorably Discharged on January 21, 1946. After Leroy’s tour of duty in the military he met the love of his life, Amelia Lee-Gauthier. Leroy, Amelia and her two daughters Barbara and Dorthey were the cornerstones to this strong family unit. By 1950 Leroy Jr. came along. In 1951 Leon, and by 1953, David were new additions to this blended family. Leroy and Amelia raised these children to be understanding, honest and productive citizens in our society. Leroy and Amelia went to great lengths to promote education for their kids. They were both great role models as parents who were hard working and honest people. The family moved to San Francisco, California in the early 50’s. They later settled in the Menlo Park area by 1957 and established a permanent home which is still in the family to this day. Leroy was employed as Carpenter and Laborer in the Construction field for close to 35 years. His travels in this field were throughout the peninsula / bay area but mostly in San Francisco. Leroy and Amelia joined Macedonia Baptist Church under Reverend Earl in 1958. He remained a faithful member of this congregation until the very end, fifty years later. Leroy and his wife Amelia brought all of their children up in the church and all shared in praising our Lord with their gifts and talents. Leroy was a member of the Choir for years, he sang in the Senior Choir and the Male Chorus. He was a devoted Christian and lifelong believer in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Leroy and his wife Amelia were married for 54 years. She preceded him in death having passed away only four years ago. During her extended illness Leroy displayed total loyalty and devotion to her. Not a day went by without him visiting her and being at her side as her loving husband and companion. During the past seven years Leroy developed a case of dementia that in the end would became terminal. He remained the strong, loving, caring and giving person that so many of you got to know.

Leroy is survived by his daughter Dorthey Chatman, two sons Leon and David Williams and 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 23 great-great grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.