Willard Williams, Jr.

The family of Willard Williams, Jr. (affectionately known as Billy) is deeply saddened to announce his passing on January 31, 2026. He was born in Albany, NY, on January 14, 1960.

In addition to his parents, Willard Williams, Sr. and Mary (Robinson) Williams, he was preceded in death by one brother: Waymon Williams; two sisters: Norma Maye, Karen Moton; three nephews: Rolonzo Maye, Roland Maye Jr., Ar-Rahiim Nixon; one great nephew: Earnest Morton, Jr.  

Those he leaves to forever cherish his memories include three sisters: Eljean Williams of Schenectady, NY; Cynthia Williams of Albany, NY; Arlethia Moton of Brooklyn, NY; one bonus sister: Marie Chapman-Weeden of Albany, NY; eight nieces: Lola Maye, Takea Miller, Takesha (Kenneth) Jones all of Albany, NY; ShahNijah Fields of Baltimore, MD; La Rema (William) Rucker of Colonie, NY; Demetra (Rabeem) Randolph of Troy, NY; Corinne Williams of Schenectady, NY, and Tamica (Thilden) Carr of Selkirk, NY; seven nephews: Emagji Utsey of Atlanta, GA;  Alan Shaw of Durham, NC;  Irron Williams of Washington, D.C.; Kendrick Moton, Nah-Kiem Fields, Donald Jones and Radeem Silas; godson; Omaree Jackson all of Albany, NY; his beloved dog, King Zeus A’treyu; and a host of great nephews, nieces, cousins, fellow associates and good friends too numerous to name.

Willard’s lifelong commitment to helping others was demonstrated throughout his career. He worked for many years in the Albany City School District as an after-school program coordinator, where he guided and encouraged young people to reach their fullest potential. He later continued his service to the community at the Albany YMCA, serving as an on-site coordinator of events, further reflecting his passion for mentorship, leadership, and community engagement.

Subsequently, he further pursued his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, and a Master of Arts degree with a concentration in Chemical Dependency Counseling. He also obtained his Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification.

He was employed in the Capital District area as a CASAC and Behavioral Health Counselor III, where he counseled and mentored both youth and adults. Through his compassion, wisdom, and dedication, he positively impacted countless lives. He was highly respected and deeply appreciated by many clients and colleagues alike.

Willard Williams joined International Masons, Inc. and the Order of the Eastern Stars on February 25, 2016. He was a devoted member of Sons of Moses Lodge No. 438 in Troy, New York, under the Edward Winfield District No. 7 of the Grand Lodge, where he was raised to the degree of Master Mason.

He faithfully served as Treasurer of Sons of Moses Lodge and as Director of Joint City Council No. 6 in Albany, New York, carrying out his duties with fervency and zeal. His service and dedication to the craft will be remembered.

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