Dr. Detroit R. Williams, 79 of Gainesville answered the Masters call, without fear, struggle or pain on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at the E.T. York Hospice Care Center. Dr. Williams served as Pastor of The Williams Temple Church of God in Christ for 46 years, Superintendent of The Gainesville district and First Assistant to the Jurisdictional Bishop.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Eva Mae Williams, four brothers, Joseph Thomas, Clarence Williams, Joe L. Williams and David Williams, and one sister, Mabel Ann McClendon. Left to cherish precious memories are siblings: Clifford (Jeanette) Williams, Gainesville; Clara (Raymond) Porche, Andrea (Rick) Gipson, Otis (Rita) Thomas, Tampa, FL; Thelma Hunter, Flora Thomas, Ft. Myers, FL; Dolores (Aaron) Black, Missouri City, TX; Amy Clemson, Gainesville; Special Sister-in-law, Lillie Williams, Alachua, FL and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. A number of Spiritual Sons and Daughters and his Williams Temple Church Family.
Funeral Services for Dr. Williams will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 11:00am at the Upper Room Ministries C.O.G.I.C., 3575 NE 15th Street, Gainesville, FL with entombment to follow at Forest Meadows Memorial Park Central. There will be a wake service on Friday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Williams Temple Church of God in Christ, 628 NW 7th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Rest well Pastor, rest well. Singing…in the Lord….in the Lord….my soul is anchored in the Lord….your work on this side is done….*tears
I remember Elder Williams when i would go to the sunday school convention awesome man of God and always taught us a new song at the convention RIP your work is done
I Remember Going To Williams Temple COGIC Just To Visit, And I Begin To Hear Dr. Williams Preach And Since June 14, 2011, I Went To AIM Conventions And I Saw Him There At The Radisson Resort In Celebration, And I Saw Him Again On June 13, 2012 At Leesburg COGIC. But Dr. Williams I Really Don’t Know You But I’ll See You On The Other Side Of Heaven! But Sleep On Dr. Williams!
Dr. Detroit R. Williams was a great teacher who preached about the Word of God!!! I’ll aways remember how Dr Detroit would just smile and shake his head when he saw me with my camera… He would laugh when he looked up and I had just took his picture eatting. My prayers go out to Williams Temple and the Gainesville District Family…
Rest in PEACE,PASTOR,I Thank God,for such a privilege to have known you,,I Love how you would use my nickname on some sermons. SUSIE!!!,May God continues to Bless Williams Temple,,,Susie..
My prayers go out to Dr Detroit R. Williams family and church family during this time. He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. God bless his family and comfort, them throughout this time of sorrow. Rest In Peace Dr. Detroit R. Williams for God has you in his arms.
I will always remember Dr. Williams as an awesome teacher of God’s Word. He will be greatly missed. I pray God’s blessings and strength for his family during this time of bereavement. Rest in Peace Dr. Detroit Williams.
Praying for all who are touched by Dr. Williams. He has certainly left a legacy of service and ministry for us all to follow!
I will remember my godfather as a very good and loving man he was the father that I did not have as a child. I could go to him when I needed someone to take too, and cry if I needed too. I will miss him very much. But I know he’s having a good time with the once that have gone on before him. Rest in Peace I will see you again some day.
Love Your God daughter
Debbie
To The Williams Family & The Williams Temple C.O.G.I.C. Family –
My heartfelt sympathy for you all…….I pray that God continues to strengthen and encourage you all during this time of bereavement for your beloved family member and Pastor. May the peace of God that passes all understanding be with you all, and guide you through this time of your lives.
I thank you so much for allowing us to share in the life of your loved one, “Dr. Detroit R. William”. Because you shared him; (such a treasure); many many lives has been touched and changed for the better; including mine.
I met Dr. Williams at age 9, when he became the Pastor/Teacher of Williams Temple Church of God In Christ. My family and I were already attending Williams Temple when Dr. Williams became Pastor 46 years ago. We were extremely blessed during the time of his Pastorage. There was always something different about him, than most people. As a child I would LOVE to hear him preach/teach; and I would say to myself; I know “one day” I would be saved; but not now….but then on March 5, 1989, I accepted Christ in my life and I have never been the same ever since!!! I LOVE YOU!! DR. DETROIT REGINALD WILLIAMS — You are God’s son in whom He is well pleased!!
Be blessed today, tomorrow and forever more!!!
Mrs. Angela Monroe and Mother Tempie Lee Davis.
I grew up under the leadership of Dr. Williams until I got married, he performed the ceremony. He is one of the best pastor’s I’ve ever known. He was a man of integrity and had a passion for teaching God’s word. He was an excellent musician and singer. I will always cherish the memories and this song that you would always sing, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.” I will always love and miss you Dr. D R Williams.
Our heartfelt sympathy to the siblings, family and church family of Superintendent and Senior Pastor Dr. Detroit Williams. It was my pleasure to have known and be blessed by Dr. Williams for the past 45 years. All of us from the original two ( Watson Temple and University) COGIC Churches in Tallahassee extend our love and respect to Dr. Williams’ Family and pray that God will continue to bless each of you. Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.
Superintendent/Admin. Assistant Michael R. Moore, Th.D.
and the Powerhouse COGIC Family of Tallahassee, Florida
My Pastor,mentor,friend, never knew that a young man sitting in a white pontiac i believe directing music to himself in 1963 outside mr duncan’s barber shop would be so used of God in my life……i will forever be grateful for this great man and man of God he was… he’s dancing up a storm now….dance on pop
We will miss your warm beautiful smile and your loving personality. Your last reunion with us (Wooten Family) truly touched all of our hearts. To the family , I know you will be sad but just know that he’s surrfering no more. Rest in peace dear cousin.
I met Pastor Williams,in the summer of 1983 while planning a tour for Barbara Ward Farmer and Wagner Alumni Choir/group of teenagers of Phil. PA; Williams Temple was the choir Kickoff for their first Florida 10 days tour. The service/concert was a blessing, he prayed and bless the choir that night, that God’s anointing would continue to be on them for the remainder of the tour.
Isaiah 57: 1-2
The righteous pass away/perish; the godly often seem to die before their time. And no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in the grave.
Wm. Sanders
uge/planning producer
813.325.2539
As I often told you while you were on this side, thank you for intercepting and accepting me as your godson in 1979. From my first COGIC UNAC 5 convention in Miami, Fla. to every exceptional event and promotion that you have fully supported I say thank you!
There is a specific stone that is called the pink star diamond that is valued at 83 million dollars. From that particular diamond smaller stones can be generated.
Dad, you were a “pink star” diamond in my life, and I am pleased that the almighty God allowed me to be the “generated” generation that came from such a great stone!
The people you served, the people you loved, and for the sacrifice you’ve given humanity was simply priceless!
It has been such a blessing just to know Dr. Detroit Williams for more than 58 years. There are so many memories to recall, but even doing so, the heaviness in my heart remains. There are not enough words to describe just who he was! One thing for sure, when you saw him and heard him it was evident that “he had been with Jesus”! When teaching and preaching from the Word of God, there was such a manifestation of his belief, trust and hope in God. His mannerism in dealing with people was from a spirit of love for the whole man. He yet lives in the hearts of so many! Truly, Dr. Williams’ living “was not in vain”.
Through out the time I resided in Gainesville, when our paths crossed he would always have a kind word to say. I have photographed several events at Williams Temple during the 80’s and early 90’s including some of the Watch Night Services. Dr. Williams will be missed.
I would not be the WOG that I am today, if it weren’t for his, encouraging words and confidence in me. He left some hard shoes to fill, and I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to be up under his leadership. I truly love this man, and he will forever be missed.