A Service of Celebration & Remembrance
Honoring The Life Of
TRAVIS LEE WILLIAMS, SR. September 7, 1924 | July 10, 2008
Obituary of Travis Lee Williams, Sr. TRAVIS LEE WILLIAMS WAS BORN in Frankston, Texas, on September 7, 1924. He was one of 11 children born to Robert L. Williams and Annie Dean Williams. At the age of 4, Travis moved to Phoenix, Arizona. He attended Dunbar and Booker T. Washington elementary schools and PUCHS (Carver) High School. In 1943, he entered the United States Army and served in Okinawa, Japan, during World War II. He attained the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1946. After his service in the Army, Travis returned to Phoenix and attended Phoenix College. There, he met the love of his life – Hazel Campbell. After an exciting courtship, they were married in February of 1949. From that union they were blessed with three sons and a daughter. Travis continued his education at Arizona State University. There he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, he realized there were few – if any – professional job opportunities for a Black person in Phoenix. As a result, he decided to make his own opportunities by joining forces with his father, brothers and brother-in-law to create Williams and Jones Construction Company. This business venture was not only successful, but was instrumental in shaping the face of South Phoenix. After the war, due to discrimination and other economic factors, it was very difficult for Blacks to purchase affordable housing. In 1950, Travis became the general manager of Williams and Jones; under his guidance they purchased and developed land, and built and sold homes in the South Phoenix area. These homes were made available to everyone; however, most of the buyers were African American. Not only did they build homes in South Phoenix, Williams and Jones built commercial buildings as well as homes in Sunnyslope, Scottsdale and Northeast Phoenix. In 1964, Travis decided to transition out of the construction business into government service. That year he took a job with the City of Phoenix as director of the Small Business Development Center. There, he assisted primarily minorities in qualifying for S.B.A. loans and management assistance. He continued to move up through the ranks of city government holding positions as program planning and development coordinator and assistant director. In 1971, he was appointed as the director of LEAP/Human Resources Department. Under his leadership, numerous important programs were established and expanded, including: Head Start, senior center programs, employment and training programs, programs for the homeless, family services centers and nutrition programs. He was particularly proud of the family service centers that provided a multitude of
services in one location for those in need. The City of Phoenix named one such facility in South Phoenix The Travis L. Williams Family Service Center in his honor. He retired in 1989 after more than 25 years of dedicated service and leadership to the City of Phoenix. In retirement, he established Williams and Associates Realty Co., where he served as president and designated broker. He also found time for other interests. He liked visiting his family and friends. He especially enjoyed traveling with Hazel to many interesting and exciting locations around the world, such as London, Paris, Rome, Greece, Mexico, and the Caribbean, just to name a few. Travis was quite a sportsman. He loved to hunt, fish and camp with his family. He really took pleasure in competing with his brothers and sons to see who would bag the most game or catch the biggest fish. Travis was a member of many organizations that reflected his care and concern for the community. They included: Urban League Board, City of Phoenix Parks Board, South Mountain Salvation Army Board, Boy Scouts of America Grand Canyon Council Executive Board, Life Member of the NAACP, Life Member of the VFW, Carver Museum Board, Arizona Community Action Board, South Phoenix Citizen Planning Committee, ASU Teacher Corps Steering Committee and Rotary Club 100. He also was a member and former Basileus of the local chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. In his youth, he was baptized as a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church. As an adult, he became an active member of Southminster Presbyterian Church. For more than 50 years he served dutifully in many capacities, such as Elder, Deacon, member of the Men’s Club and Finance Committee, and Head Start Program liaison to the City of Phoenix. Travis passed away on July 10, 2008, at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, five brothers and two sisters. He is survived by: his loving wife of 59 years, Hazel; his sons Travis Jr. of Beverly Hills, California; Robert (Corrina) and Cody (Jeri); his daughter, Marlena (Kenneth) Vincent of Grand Prairie, Texas; sisters, Leatha Jones and Ima Davis of South Pasadena, California; a brother, Dr. Bernard Black (Lillian); granddaughters, Alanna (Dominic) Faussette, Tiara Williams, Brittani Williams, Brianna Vincent and Trina Hickman; grandsons, Chase Williams, Alan Williams, Cody Williams and Bryan Vincent; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Loving Husband, dedicated Father and Grandfather, loyal Brother, devoted Christian, faithful Friend, successful Businessman, caring Community Leader, and…
“All Around Good Guy”
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
COUNTERCLOCKWISE, FROM TOP:
Travis and Platoon ROTC at Carver High School, 1942; Park South Developers; with his NAACP Lifetime Membership card during the 38th Annual Maricopa County Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner, April 2008;a hunting we will go; back home with a great catch; with City of Phoenix Human Resources Department administrative staff; with family in front of the South Phoenix Travis L. Williams Family Services Center.
I Am Free Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I am following the path that God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, those things I too will miss. Be not burdened with time of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free!
Order of Services Celebrating the Life of Travis Lee Williams, Sr. Visitation and Wake 5-8pm Friday, July 18 South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church 2006 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix
Funeral Service Saturday, July 19 9-10am Viewing • 10am Service Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 1401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix
Elder Reginald Ragland, CLP and Officiant Southminster Presbyterian Church
Lawrence Dabney, Minister of Music Musical Prelude and Processional Call To Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Leader) The realm of God has come near. Enter this time of worship with joyous expectation. (People) We will extol you, O God, for you have drawn us up. You rescued us from the pit and restored us to life. (Leader) Sing praises to God, all faithful ones. Give thanks to God’s holy name. (People) We have known your favor, O God, in many ways. You have healed us and turned our mourning to dancing. (Leader) Rejoice in the work you are given to do. Give thanks that your names are known to God. (People) We will praise you, O God, and not be silent. We will give thanks to you forever. Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gracious God, our helper, we greet you this morning with joy and thanksgiving. We feel your welcome and anticipate your teaching. Show us this day what you would have us do. Whether it be great or small, we want to do what you command. Let our ears be attentive to your World, and our hearts be responsibe to the opportunities you grant us to bear one another’s burdens in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Congregational Hymn: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Written by George N. Allen Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand; I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night Lead me on to the light Take my hand, Precious Lord, Lead me home. When my way grows drear, Precious Lord, linger near; When my life is almost gone, Hear my cry, hear my call Hold my hand lest I fall; Take my hand, Precious Lord, Lead me home. Call To Confession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Who among us has not wanted to shape God to our own specifications? How often we have wanted to define truth for everyone else and to judge others by standards we ourselves cannot keep. Whether our sins reside in what we have done, in what we have failed to do, or in prideful comparisons with other people, let us confess them now. Prayer of Confession (Unison) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gentle God, angry God, gracious God, we know we have let you down in many ways. We have not lived up to your high intentions for us. You send us out as ambassadors of peace, and instead we pick fights with our sisters and brothers. You commission us to travel light, and we become bogged down with our possessions. You ask us to help ease the burdens others carry, but we add to them. You call us to joy in your inclusive realm, but instead we create our own ghettos. Patient God, will you forgive us again? Amen. Assurance of Forgiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Great things happen when we pray and work together. Lives are healed when pretensions are cast aside. God extends mercy and peace to all who are sincerely penitent. Turn away from temptation, knowing that God will strengthen you in fulfilling the law of Christ.
The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green paastures: He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mecy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. — Psalm 23:1-6 Solo: “The Lord’s Prayer” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Brooks-Morris Old Testament Reading: Psalms 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elder Reginald Ragland Epistle Reading: Romans 8:1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alanna Faussette Granddaughter Gospel Reading: John 14:1-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tiara Williams Granddaughter Choral Selection: “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nikia Jenkins Soloist, Southminster Chancel Choir Community Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Bernard Black South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church Instrumental Solo: “Bridge Over Troubled Water” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James McElroy (Please take this time to read the Obituary) REFLECTIONS The Hon. Mayor Phil Gordon The Hon. Mary Rose Wilcox State Representative Cloves Campbell Jr. Cmdr. Charles Pearce, VFW #1710 Solo: “If I Can Help Somebody” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rory Hooks Pearl Williams, Southminster Presbyterian Church Dr. George Greene, Omega Psi Phi - Phi Iota Doris Marshall, City of Phoenix Dené Wallace, Neighbor/Community Choral Selection: “John 3:16” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Written by Jonathan Crumpton Alan and Cody Williams, Grandsons Poetry Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brittani Williams Granddaughter Travis’ Children Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elder Reginald Ragland Congregational Hymn: “When We All Get To Heaven” Benediction Recessional and Musical Finale: “Going Home” PALLBEARERS Cloves Campbell Jr. Steve Jordan Kenneth Vincent Alan T. Williams
Darrell Williams Chase Williams Cody J. Williams Corky Williams
HONORARY PALLBEARERS Alfonso Campbell Dr. Donald Campbell Lawrence Copeland Tony Fergusson Frank Gooch Dr. George Greene
Lester Knox Hon. Judge Cecil Patterson (retired) Rodney Powers Al Washington Members of the VFW #1710
Interment: Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetary, 2300 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix Repast: Southminster Presbyterian Church, 1923 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix
Family Sentiments My dear Travis, you’ve not only been a wonderful husband, you’ve been my best friend, my traveling companion, and my love. I’ll miss all of our talks, playing dominos, watching sports and just holding your hand. Thank you for over 60 years of love, commitment, and dedication to me and our family. I love you and will miss you. Dad, you are our hero. You were a strong and charismatic but humble man that was truly the rock of our family. Thank you for always being there and showing us how to become strong and productive men and women. You’ve shown us with your actions and told us with your words how much you love us and we are so very grateful for that. Thank you for instilling in us the importance of education, hard work, and service to others. Your time on earth is over and you’ve gone home to be with the Lord. You’ve been His faithful servant, now it’s time to rest. You may leave this place but never our hearts. We love you and will miss you.
Thank You From The Family The Family of Travis L. Williams would like to express heartfelt thanks for the many expressions of love, kindness, generosity and prayers extended to each of us during the illness and death of our husband and father. Thank you to Reverend Black and South Mountain Missionary Baptist Church, and to Bishop Thomas and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church staff for allowing us to use their sanctuaries, and to Elder Ragland and Southminster Presbyterian Church for your guidance and hospitality. We’d also like to acknowledge the caring and outstanding services of Universal Memorial Center as well as thank the Arizona Informant Newspaper and the Campbell family for their time and contribution. Every kind act, support and friendship will always be remembered.