Tyrone Williams Sr.

Tyrone Williams, the eldest son of Willie Lee Williams and the former Claudia Caldwell, was born July 18, 1948 in Birmingham, Alabama. As a young man, he delighted in family affairs, excelled in numerous athletic activities, and found early spiritual guidance from New Bethel Baptist Church. From 1962 to 1967, he attended Carol W. Hayes High School and received numerous awards and state recognition for his leadership and athleticism. As a founding member of the Hayes High School Alumni Association, he remained a proud Pacesetter for life. He became a first-generation college student upon acceptance of a full athletic scholarship to South Carolina State College. Affectionately known as “T-bone”, Alabama’s decorated ambidextrous point guard led the mighty bulldogs to numerous victories and championships. This upcoming fall, South Carolina State University will formally recognize his accomplishments on the court with an induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame. His devotion to his college teammates produced a life-long brotherhood. In 1972, he graduated from South Carolina State College with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He returned to his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama where he and his wife lovingly raised their four children, Tycely, Tyrenda, Tyra, and Tyrone II.

His fatherly tenderness stretched beyond his immediate children. For more than five decades, he positively influenced young people though partnerships with Birmingham City Schools, Birmingham City Youth Games, 4th Avenue YMCA, and numerous other youth-serving organizations. As a loyal member and deacon at Tabernacle Baptist Church, his commitment to faith, family, and friends continued into retirement. His tenure as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal put to great use his earned Master’s in Education Administration from Alabama A&M University and Juris Doctorate from Miles College. During his lifetime, he also received various awards for his community service, including a 2016 NAACP Man of Distinction Award from the Birmingham-Metro Chapter. A few of his cherished volunteer commitments included the Jefferson County Planning & Zoning Committee, the Roebuck Springs/South Roebuck Neighborhood Association, board member of the Alethia House, and board member of the League of Women Voters.

Centered in Christian principles, the legacy of Tyrone will be carried on by his children and grandchildren, Emma Lee Reed, Lila Mae Reed, and Nathan Allen Pickens. He is survived by his siblings Herman Williams, Carolyn Barnett, Kenneth Williams, and Danny Williams. Tyrone will be sorely missed by nieces and nephews Pamela Winston, Herman Williams Jr., Shelby Williams, Kristal Williams, Traci Williams, Tonya Crawford, Logan Williams, and Bella Rose Williams. He leaves behind a father figure in Dr. W.J. Maye and a tightly-knit circle of friends who regularly fellowshipped on Monday nights to play dominoes. Lastly, he will be deeply missed by his cherished confidant and Leading Lady of twenty-four years, Ms. Mary Matthews.