Mr. Theoplus "Ted" Williams, Sr.

Mr. Theoplus ("Ted") Williams, Sr. went on to be with the Lord God, his Creator on August 29, 2008. He was born February 26, 1917, the son of Charlie and Eldora Allen-Williams, of Scotts, Arkansas. He received his education in Arkansas and in 1935 he and his brother, Bethany Williams "hoboed" their way to Michigan by train. Shortly after, he relocated to Lansing, Michigan and found work at the Novo Engine Foundry. While working for the Michigan State Highway Department, Brother Williams was inducted into the Army. After being honorably discharged from the 639th Ordinance Company of the United States Army, he returned to work for the Michigan Highway Department, out of Lansing Michigan. He later moved to Chicago Illinois, attended and completed the A and S Vocational Welding School, 1949. In 1957, he returned to Michigan and retired from the Kalamazoo Public School System in the late 70's as a Maintenance Supervisor out of North Eastern Junior High School. Mr. Theoplus ("Ted") Williams, Sr. was honored by the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), on June 9, 2007, as World War II Veteran of the Year, at the age of 91. Brother Williams was one of the founding members and first Trustee of Pioneer Baptist Church, that was located on 908 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1965. He was instrumental in the merger of Pioneer Baptist Church with Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church. This union became THE First United Baptist Church, of Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1974. The congregation moved, soon after from Gull Road to South Burdick and Vine. His parents Charlie and Eldora preceded him in death as did his sisters, Cora Lee, Louise Crucher, and Charlie Williams; and three brothers, Ila, Bethany and Theodore ("Man"). Also, a son, his first born, Theophilus Williams, Jr.'s homegoing was December 5, 2002. He retired as a Tin Smith in San Francisco, CA, and a Captain in the Michigan Army National Guard. Mr. Theoplus ("Ted") Williams, Sr.'s wife of 67 years, Virginia, remains after his death, along with three sisters, Johnnie Williams and Essie Dean Beasley, of Lansing, Michigan, and Odessa Andrews, of Dayton, Ohio. He is also survived by these, his children: Odessa Kozetta West, of Bosque Farms, New Mexico; Carolyn Ann Charles, of DeWitt, Michigan, Wesley Milford, Shirley Marie and Gregory Charles Williams, all Kalamazoo, Michigan and Lionel Anthony Williams, of Coloma, Michigan. Mr. Williams departed this life a loving father to a host of grands and great-great-great grandchildren. He enjoyed and nurtured many devoted nephews and nieces. Not excluding any family member, the grandeur of the loyal friendships that Brother Williams acquired are innumberable. He left an awesome legacy for his children to follow.

Mr. Theoplus "Ted" Williams, Sr.

February 26, 1917 - August 29, 2008