Tyrone C. Williams
October 26, 2017

Tyrone C. Williams was born on January 28, 1940 in Newport News,Virginia. He departed this life on October 26, 2017. He was the eldest son of the late Mabel Williams and Harvey London. He loved the name of Jesus, and was a lifelong member of the United House of Prayer for All People. He was educated in the Newport News Public School System and was a 1958 graduate of Huntington High School.

Tyrone was preceded in death by his grandparents(who raised him)George and Hilton Williams and one sister, Joanne Moore.

As early as age 5, his grandparents instilled in him strong work ethics, a strong determination and other valuable lessons in life. Yearning to have his own spending money, he began working at the age of 12. He delivered local newspapers, groceries for a local grocery store, and he delivered ice for the family owned ice business. At the age of 15, Tyrone joined the naval reserves where he was required to attend monthly drill meetings, and train 2 weeks a year in military installation.

After graduating high school, he secured a job at Riverside Hospital, when it was located on 50th street and Huntington Avenue in Newport News. He worked as a male attendant at the hospital until he was drafted into the military in February 1959. Tyrone did his basic training in Great Lakes Michigan, and was later stationed in Pensacola, Florida, where he was stationed for 2 years. After receiving an honorable discharge, he left the military and returned home.

Returning home from the military , he found employment with the Newport News Shipyard as a pipe fitter. 4 years later, he decided to go back into the military. He re-enlisted into the Navy, and for the next 23 years, made the Navy his career. During his military career, Tyrone had many accomplishments and his travels were extensive. He traveled all around the world, and his experiences were many and well received by all whom came to know him. He would often talk about his 3 tours to Vietnam , his trips to Italy, Northern Africa, Morocco, Greece, Spain, China, Hong Kong, The Philippiens, Japan and other places around the world. As an enlisted sailor, he rose through the ranks and retired from the Navy in 1983 as a Naval Officer, a position of great achievement.

After retiring from the military, Tyrone worked several jobs including Fort Eustis HVAC for military housing, and the City of Hampton Public Schools. After a debilitating auto accident, he was forced to permanently withdraw from the work force in 1997.

Because of the injuries sustained in his auto accident, Tyrone lived with chronic pain. But, in spite of his pain, his strong determination became a driving force in his life, and he preserved. He went to the gym 3 days a week, and on any given day, would take on the tasks of washing his vehicles, cutting his grass and/or climbing a ladder to do house repairs. His love for exotic travel, and trying new and exciting things also continued. Tyrone loved exotic food, good cooking, good company, good conversation, fine clothes and luxury vehicles.His favorite expressions were, “say what you mean and mean what you say” and “ your word is your bond”. All who knew and loved him know that he lived his life according to his favorite expressions, and his word was truly his bond.

When it came to his family, Tyrone was extremely passionate. He leaves to cherish his memories, two sons, Vince and Stephen Williams(Kathy), a loving daughter, Tyvonna Williams-Sears(Michael), a step-daughter, Nekeia Whitaker-Butler(John), a step-son, Alvin Whitaker, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter, 3 brothers, Jerald Williams(Bernice), Gregory Jackson(Sheryl) and Lyndon Boyd(Maxine), one aunt, Evelyn White(Willie) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins , other relatives and friends.

Tyrone will be truly missed by all who knew him and were touched by his presence in their lives.

Viewing will be held, Sunday, October 29, 2017 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A funeral service will be held 1:00 pm, Monday, October 30, 2017 at the United House of Prayer for All People, 1811 Ivy Avenue, Newport News,Va. 23607. Entombment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.