Roger Edward Williams Sr.

Roger Edward Williams Sr. was born the son of Robert and Louelee Williams on December 2, 1933, right here in Poughkeepsie, NY. He attended the Poughkeepsie City Schools. Roger always credited the push of his grandmother for instilling work ethic in him. Saying you can learn a lot more by doing hands-on work or duties. Roger loved the Lord and had accepted Christ as his personal savior. Roger loved to have a good time. He was full of life and would hit the dance floor as soon as the beat dropped. He was a family man. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved. Roger was a Lent Street Legend. He would offer support and love to all his neighbors. He didn’t meet a stranger. Roger enjoyed fishing, going to Tony’s Hotdogs on Smith Street, and most importantly ice cream. Roger had the opportunity to travel the world while in the military and had many great experiences. Roger loved to serve others and being an active vessel in ministry, wherever he was needed. He valued his relationships with people. Roger gained his heavenly wings on November 10, 2023, and was preceded in death by parents; Robert and Louelee Williams, siblings; Robert Williams Jr., Lovelee Williams, Arlene Williams, a loving wife of 65 years Theresa Andrews Williams, a son; Marvin Earl Willams, 4 nieces; Nicki, Lorreen, Vanesa, Dawn, a nephew; Loyld, and 3 Grandchildren. He leaves to cherish his memory: His dearest sister; Janice Williams, sisters-in-law; Ruth Willis, Ruth Williams, and Mary Andrews, Children; Cassandra D. Clarke, Kerima D. Brown, Roger (Shirley) Williams Jr., and Kastina J. Owusu-Ansah, Grandchildren; Kadiyah (Ethony) Lodge, Emerson (Janis) Hamsa, Dewey (Aleen) Clarke, Paulette Clarke, Shauna Clarke, Chandra (Terrance) Denham, Bonetta Brown, Belinda (Harvey) Boone, Maurice (Barbara) Williams, Mandisa Williams, Nyasa Brown, Eric Brown, Nile Clarke, Jarah Clarke, Margaret (Ashley) Calhoun, Colette (Diego) Lattimore, Hamar (Angela) Clarke, D’Andre Brown, Isaac Williams, Nade Owusu-Ansah, Nieces; Carla, Karen, Yvette, Sondrea, Brenda, Deborah, Patti, a nephew; Douglass, 37 Great-Grandchildren, 5 Great-Great Grandchildren and a host of devoted cousins and other loving relatives. Roger was an amazing son, brother, nephew, husband, father, uncle, cousin, friend, but his grandchildren would argue an EVEN BETTER GRANDPA! Roger was employed by New York Central Railroad, U.S. Hoffman Machine Company as a drill press operator and a sand blasting operator before entering the military. He entered the US Air Force during the Korean campaign serving from 1952-1960, then returning to the US Army’s 854th Combat Engineers in 1973 for over 20 years of service. Roger served on the Board of Directors for the Model Cities Program as Chairperson of Area Council. One which covered the upper northside of Poughkeepsie. He worked as a recruiter for Hudson Valley OIC (Operations Industrial Center) and as a bus driver. Throughout that time, he was also employed by the City of Poughkeepsie for a total of 33 years and had held numerous positions in all outside departments such as Heavy Equipment Operator, Transfer Station Operator, and many more. He is best known as the “waterman” because for about 14 years, Roger ran the water truck which was used to spread water to clean the streets and the kids would have fun following the truck as it sprayed water. Sometime during his employment for the city of Poughkeepsie, he was recognized by the City of Poughkeepsie and the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department for rescuing a child from the locked jaws of a Pitbull. As a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church and along with what was formerly the EBC Kitchen Ministry, he has been serving breakfast in Mansion Square Park for the John Flowers’ Church Picnic Dedicated to God since its first day. Roger is a lifetime member of the VFW 170. He is a member of NIMROD 96 Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons where he has held positions as Chaplin and as Tyler for a short time. During the tenure of Pastor Wade and congregation, Roger was trained to serve as Deacon. In 2005, he was ordained Deacon and has served ever since. He also serves as the Pastor’s Armor Bearer, which places Roger in a position to assist the pastor with various responsibilities of the ministry such as Baptisms. Roger continues to serve as an usher, Deacon, and Armor Bearer under the leadership of our pastor, Rev. Michael Bell Jr. Roger’s current accolades include President of Deacon Ministry, Co-Chairman EBC Kitchen Ministry, Ground & Maintenance (EBC), Advisory Board member for Interfaith Towers served as a Voting Inspector for many years, United States Uniformed Services: Sargeant US Army, Qualified Combat Engineer US Army, Military Police (MP) US Air Force The family would like to extend a special thanks to Mr. Jimmy Fils, Pastor E. Clayton Wade, Mrs. Patricia Wade, and Mr. Rufus Wilson for the continued love and support given to Roger Edward Williams Sr. Thank you to Ebenezer Baptist Church for all the love and support on behalf of Roger Edward Williams  Sr. and Family.  Visitation will be held on Saturday November 18, 2023 from 10am to 11am at the Ebenezer Baptist Church 15 Smith Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.  Celebration of life to begin at 11am with burial to follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery with Full Military Honors.  

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