Sgt. Willie Earl Williams Jr.'s Obituary
Willie Earl Williams Jr. (Pete) was born February 8, 1971 in Memphis, Tennessee to Willie Earl Williams Sr. and Laverne (Hall) Williams. In 1978 his mother married Eldridge M. Cook who continued to raise and nurture Pete to become the outstanding man he was. Willie was brought up as a very spiritual man whom believed in a much higher power than himself.
Willie attended Westwood High School in Memphis, TN majoring in Music and the Arts. In his senior year of high school, Willie experienced his first of many battles with kidney failure in which he persevered throughout his life. In spite of these obstacles, he went on to pursue his love of music. After graduation in 1989, Willie followed his childhood dream of attending Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA where he became a member of its world famous marching band, "The Human Jukebox". He later became a leader in the organization by joining the honorary band fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi. His love of music and passion to perform led him to also become a recording artist, writer, music producer, performer and record company executive. Willie co-wrote hundreds of songs, performed live for thousands and brought to market several albums on the independent label he had part ownership in.
Willie began his career at the Rockdale County Sheriff's Department in January 2007. He became a certified sheriff's deputy in September 2011 by way of Athens Academy. In July 2012, he was promoted to Corporal and later progressed to Sergeant in May 2015.
Soon after starting his career, he met the love of his life, Adrienne R. (Hollins) Williams In November 2007. On February 20, 2009, they came together in holy matrimony and from their union came their beautiful daughter, Ariyah L. Williams, in December of 2015.
For those who have had the blessing to share time, experiences and create memories with Willie would all agree that he was one of a kind. A man with a great smile, a smooth style and swagger, an exceptional sense of humor, and a man who got that last word no matter what (smile). To know him is to love him and he will truly be missed.
To cherish and miss him dearly he leaves behind, his lovely wife of fourteen years ~Adrienne Williams; beautiful daughter ~ Ariyah Williams; proud parents ~ Laverne and Eldridge Cook, Willie Williams Sr. of Memphis, TN; mother in-law ~ Rose Hollins of Lithonia, GA; father in-law ~ Andrew Hollins of St. Louis, MO; one brother ~ Michael Hall (Karin) of Mechanics Burg, PA; four sisters ~ Demetris Martin, Diane Sanders, Tammie Stokes, and Kathy Gipson all of Memphis, TN; sister in-law ~ Andrea Hollins (Fred Carson), St. Louis, MO; four aunts ~ Sandra Wells and Evelyn Robinson (Memphis, TN), Ellen Harvey (Los Angeles, CA), and Patricia Cowens (Walter) of Yazoo City, MS; one uncle ~ Ronald Hall (Yazoo City, MS); one niece ~ Paige Hall; seven nephews ~ Samuel, Anthony, and Michael Hall (Mechanics Burg, PA), Terrion Jones, Jaymar and Fred Carson (St. Louis, MO) and one very special nephew of whom he helped raise ~ Tadarius Martin (Memphis, TN); many cousins and other relatives, and a host friends who loved him like a brother.
What’s your fondest memory of Sgt. Willie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sgt. Willie?
Share a story where Sgt. Willie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sgt. Willie you’ll never forget.
How did Sgt. Willie make you smile?

