Sunrise: September 4th, 1953
Sunset: November 4th, 2024
Age: 71 Years Old
Service Held at:
COMMUNITYAT HEART TABERNACLE
The Church of God of Prophecy
Coral Road, Freeport, Grand Bahama
The Bahamas
Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, at 10:00am
OFFICIATING:
Bishop Dr. George E. Thompson, J.P.
Senior Pastor, District Supervisor for Grand Bahama and Bimini
Minister Dr. Wilfred Ferguson
Associate Pastor
ASSISTED BY:
COGOP Bishops and Ministers
DIRECTING:
Russell’s and Pinder’s Funeral Home
In the quiet, quaint Settlement of Pine Ridge, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas, seventy-one years ago, the Mid Wife handed Franklyn R. Williams and Irene Isabella Williams nee Grant, a future Minister of the Gospel, a future Interim Pastor, a future Audio and Lighting Engineer Extraordinaire, a future Computer Wizard and Coder, an Electrician, an Author, a Playwright, a Director, a Producer, a Chemical Operator, a Training Administrator, a Teacher personified, Entrepreneur and Consultant.
It was 4th September 1953. The bundle of joy was their third child, and they named him Calvin Franklyn Glen Williams. He followed Leon and Lorna. Calvin will be followed by Howard the following September and Alexander the next September and his other siblings Catherine, Sharon, Clarence, Alice and Samuel.
His Mother didn’t cut his hair and always had it plaited in a Ponytail. People sometimes wondered if he was a boy or girl. In fact, his mother allowed all her sons to grow their hair to Ponytails until their first haircut and then she put the cut Ponytail into a labeled plastic bag with their names on it for storage.
To say Calvin was a mischievous child is putting it mildly. In Pine Ridge, he convinced his elder sister, Lorna, to drink a bottle of SSS Tonic. SSS Tonic has a high alcohol content. You can imagine the beating. When the family moved to North Riding Point, Grand Bahama, one Christmas, while his Mom and Dad were putting the Christmas gifts under the Christmas tree, he climbed the room partitions and watched. Later, he told his siblings there was no Santa Claus and that Mom and Dad were Santa Claus. Of course that resulted in a beating. In Sea Grape he would store canned food under the house so he would have something to eat when he was hiding to avoid a beating. He Built a Radio Shack Transmitter and hacked ZNS Frequency 1540 KHz and set up his own Radio Station blocking ZNS to the annoyance of the residents of Sea Grape. Bishop Ghaly Swann like many others dubbed him “our brother the Mad Scientist.”
School
In 1955 when the forest in Pine Ridge could no longer support the Lumber Camp, his father moved the Family from Pine Ridge to North Riding Point the Gap. In the settlements of Pine Ridge and North Riding Point, Grand Bahama, there were only All Age Schools. Consequently, his father took him and his brother Howard to Turks Islands to attend school, where his brother Leon was already in attendance. His Mom later picked them up and brought them back to Grand Bahama.
Later, after the Family moved to Sea Grape, Eight Mile Rock, his father sent him, along with his brothers Howard and Alexander, to stay with their Uncle John Grant and Bishop J. M. Swann in Abaco, to attend School there. While attending school in Abaco, Calvin acquired a scholarship to attend Saint Augustine College, an All-Boys High School in Nassau. Calvin subsequently spent most of his summer vacations staying on the Dorms at St. Augustine. He was the only student boarder, who stayed with the Priests, namely, The Very Reverend Bonaventure Dean and Father Prosper Leslie Burrows. The reason Calvin chose to stay, was because his father was a Pastor with the Church of God of Prophecy and Calvin did not want to go home to Grand Bahama to spend the entire summer having to go to Church. When Leon would transit Nassau, while attending school in Jamaica, he would stay at St. Augustine with Calvin. Father Prosper Burrows would let them drive his Volks Wagon when they needed to go anywhere. While at St. Augustine, Calvin assisted in creating an underground newspaper known as “The Chalk.”
Work
After graduating from high school in the early 1970s, Calvin was hired as a Chemical Operator at Syntex Pharmaceuticals in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Former Governor General of The Bahamas Cornelius A. Smith
GCMG, a friend of his father, was the Human Resources Executive at the time and assisted in his hiring. He remained at Syntex Bahamas until the early 1990s.
Entrepreneur
In 1978, forty-six years ago, Calvin established his Company, MaeCal, (the name symbolizing Maryann & Calvin), an Event Services company that provided Sound Reinforcement, Staging, Event Planning and a host of other services related to entertainment and events.
MaeCal was the first and biggest Audio & Visual Production Company in The Bahamas. It was Co-Owned with his dear friend, Henry Juice Outten.
MaeCal provided the stage, audio & lighting facilities for many PLP and FNM Rallies in Nassau and Grand Bahama many times facilitating simultaneous Rallies on both Islands with Split Screen facilities during General Election campaigns.
MaeCal provided the Stage, Audio and lighting Facilities for the Goombay Summer Street Festivities in Nassau and Grand Bahama; Major Gospel Concerts for the Cooling Waters, Staple Singers, Cool & the Gang, Al Green, Bob Marley, Byron Lee & The Dragonaires.
MaeCal created a group of schoolboys who were referred to as the Midget Crew whose responsibilities were to set up stages, install the wiring for microphones and speakers, perform sound checks and disassemble and pack the equipment, after an event.
Calvin built all the speakers for the company and repaired all the electronics, even though he was not a trained electrical engineer. He was self-taught and simply gifted.
1994 - 1999, Calvin moved to Nassau as a Consultant at Forsythe’s Communications and assisted with the installation of their Paging Network. He was an integral part of the Installation of the Royal Bahamas Police Force E919 Communications System. He was a Motorola Expert.
In 1995 Calvin established CalTec, a consultant company, providing consultation: Radio communications, Computer Networking, Human resources, and training in related fields.
Calvin started his computer career with the advent of the Commodore Computer and taught himself programming and coding for the Personal Computer. He built Personal Computers (PCs) and sold discounted priced PCs that he acquired to staff at companies like BaTelCo in Grand Bahama. He taught Computer Classes.
Author, Playwright, Director, Producer
Calvin scripted, directed and produced his version of the Play “Jesus Christ Super Star” at the Church of God of Prophecy in Sea Grape, Grand Bahama, where his father pastored.
It was the first time in The Bahamas that reinforced Sound, Sound Effects, Strobes and Smoke machines in a Church Production. People came from near and far to attend the production. Each performance successfully played in front of a packed house.
Years later, he produced the play at the Church of God of Prophecy Community at Heart Tabernacle Freeport with the same WOW effect.
Church was Calvin's first love. Nobody arrived at the Church before him, and nobody left after him. He lived, slept and ate church.
Church of God of Prophecy Church was Calvin's first love. Nobody arrived at the Church before him, and nobody left after him. He lived, slept and ate church.
He provided Audio, lighting and Visuals Equipment for almost all the Church of God of Prophecy churches in Nassau, Grand Bahama and the Turks & Caicos Islands, when his Father, Bishop Franklyn Williams, was the National Overseer.
He also revamped and modernized the Church of God of Prophecy in Fort Lauderdale where his Brother in Law Bishop Frank Capron pastored. At the request of his nephew LeBronzé Williams, he, accompanied by Leon, spent a week at the Atlanta, Georgia, Covington Church of God of Prophecy, enhancing the sound system and running classes in audio mixing for the church engineers.
For the Church of God of Prophecy National Conventions and Youth Jamborees, he took his truck to Nassau, loaded with Sound and Light equipment, to reinforce and enhance the audio for The Bahamas National Conventions and personally adsorbed the cost. He was given a key to the East Street Tabernacle by Bishop Arthur C. Moss, which he kept for years. During many National Conventions, he slept in the East Street Tabernacle so that he could work on enhancing the sound system. He provided reel to reel recordings of the convention sessions. He went to the hotel just to shower and change.
Using his own computers and networking equipment, along with his brother Leon’s help from BTC and ZNS, he produced the first and only live coverage of the COGOP National Baptismal Parade, from the East Street Tabernacle to the Western Esplanade.
He graduated from the Call to Teach, Body of Christ Courses, Bible Training Institute and he attended Moody’s Pastors Seminars in Chicago.
When there was a crisis at the COGOP Mohagany Street, National Overseer Bishop Brice Thompson installed him as the Interim Pastor.
When his big brother Leon was VLB Director, Public Relations Director and Adult Class Sunday School Teacher at the Community at Heart, Coral Road Church, he provided breakfast, at his expense, for Students attending the Adult Sunday School Classes.
He accompanied his Mom and Dad to the Holy Lands and Greece.
He was the Audio Engineer for the Instrumental Soul Searchers Gospel Jazz Group, Hunters Young Adult Choir, Unity, Cooling Waters and the Grand Bahama Concert Choir (GBCC).
He was always training the next generation of Audio, Lighting and Computer Engineers. Calvin was a kind, humble, gentle and exceptionally generous person, who loved people. He would willingly do
without, if it meant making others happy. He Loved the Church of God of Prophecy.
He married Maryann Knowles of Freeport, Grand Bahama in 1976, who predeceased him. They bore three children, Camille, Vanessa and Franklyn.
LEFT TO CHERISH HIS PRECIOUS MEMORIES ARE…
Wife: Hazel Williams
Three children: Camille Williams, Vanessa Wright of Nassau & Franklyn Williams of Grand Bahama.
Step Children: Sean, Shane, and Siobhan Williams; Shameika & Taravo Hannah;
Daughter-In-Law: Jillian Williams
Sons-In-Law: David Tracey, Raymond Wright
Grand Children: Ashleigh Wilson, Emilee Grant, Eryn Tracey, Logan Tracey, Rhianna Wright, Seth Wright, Jasper Williams, Dylan Williams
Grand Children-in-law: James Wilson
Great Grand Children: Matthias Wilson
Brothers & Sisters: His Excellency Leon R. Williams The Bahamas Ambassador to the ITU of Nassau, Bahamas; Minister Lorna Capron of Florida, USA; Deacon Howard Williams and Alexander Williams of Freeport, Bahamas; Rev. Catherine Handfield of Florida, USA; Rev. Sharon Taylor of Grand Turk; Clarence J. K. Williams, of Florida U.SA.; Alice V. Williams and Bishop Samuel Williams of Providenciales.
Brothers-in-law: Bishop Franklyn Capron of Florida, USA; Rev. Stanford Handfield of Providenciales; John Taylor Snr. of Grand Turk.
Sisters-in-law: Nancy Williams of Nassau; Bahamas; Alice P. Williams and Catherine Williams of Freeport, Bahamas; Patsy Williams and Sonia Williams of Providenciales; Minister Cheryl R. Williams of Atlanta, Georgia; Cheryl D. Lightbourn of Florida, USA.
Nephews & Nieces: Chené Williams of South Carolina, Chanté Wallace of Virginia, Chanika Moore of Atlanta, LeBronzé Williams of Atlanta & Melvin Rolle of Freeport; Minister Vernal (Chris) Capron, Indra Thomas, Roxanne Capron & Minister Donovan Capron of Florida; Alice (Lekesha) Coverley & Ava Williams of Freeport; Andrew Williams & Casey LaRoda of Freeport; Akilah Garland & LaVerne Parker of TCI/UK; Nyree Williams, Inga Taylor & John Taylor III of TCI; Cordell Williams, Crystal, Cameron & T’Keyah Robinson; Alexis Missick, Antoine Missick & Minister Shamika Brown of TCI; Samajeo Williams & Samniko Williams of TCI/UK.
Nieces-in-law: Sarah Williams, Pertina Rolle, Elaine Capron, Lindsey Capron, Nivea Williams, Towanda Taylor, Veneshia Williams, Ashley Missick, Melinda Williams, and Bianca Williams.
Nephews-in-law: Johnny Wallace, Eddison Moore Jr., Donnie Thomas, Lavaldo Coverley, Clint LaRoda, Dorian Garland, Donval Parker, Ryan Williams, and Mark Brown.
Grand Nephews & Nieces: Janiah, Jason Jr., Jaliyah & Justin Johnson; Dominique, Spirit, Portia, & Sherrod Wallace; Ellianna Moore, Elisha Moore, Elaina Moore & Elicia Moore; LeBronzé Williams Jr. & Sana’a Williams; Malik, Semaiah & Semara Rolle; Javon, Jervqua, Jerard & Jameyro Saunders; Aziyah Mitchell, Prince Tyler Muir; Theodore IV & Cheila Graham and Josiah & TerriAnn Graham; Noah & Liam Coverley and Eriel & Evan Barr; Kiana Ari LaRoda & Gabriel Williams; Emma Taylor & Ryah Williams, Raheema & John IV Taylor, Isabel Williams & Zora Williams-Rahming; Caliya, Caila, Cali & Cadence Williams; T’kyrie & A’laiya Gibson; Huruma Malcolm; Celeste, Shevon & Na’Kay Williams; Azion & Azeira Missick; Ava Welch, Adam and Aden Williams.
Great Grand-Nephews and Nieces: Saelani Johnson; Giselle Bota, Samuel Graham, Kameron Graham, Kasen Graham.
Aunts: Rose Gibson, Bishop Cecily Williams of Nassau, Bahamas; Sylvia Hall & Jann Grant of Providenciales; Pastor Diane Grant & Marilyn Grant of Providenciales; Altagracia Williams of Turks and Caicos Islands; Agatha Grant of Freeport, Bahamas and Carolie Grant of Nassau, Bahamas, Bee Handfield of Nassau Bahamas.
Uncles: Enos Grant (The General) of Freeport, Bahamas; Albert Grant & William (Garvey) Grant of Providenciales; Headley Forbes of Freeport, Bahamas; John Hall of Freeport, Bahamas and Bishop Leon Williams of Nassau, Bahamas.
Cousins: Derek Taylor (Former Premier TCI), Vernon Grant, Lloyd (Chubby) Grant, Howard (Big H) Grant, Ikeyln Grant, Delores Grant, Sandra Grant Harrison, Renee Lewis, Frankie Carter and Viodel Carter of Freeport, Rev. Sherlyn Hall of Nassau, Linda (Lynette) Grant of Providenciales; Sharmaine Portier-Sands of Nassau, Bahamas; Stacia Mullings of Nassau Bahamas; Howard Grant Jr., Pedro Grant of Eleuthera Bahamas; Lincoln Grant of TCI, Monique Grant, Delores Grant Francis USA; Patrick Grant of Nassau, Sonia Grant, Lorna Grant, Keeler Grant, Verne Grant; Sonia Gibson, Jennifer Turnquest, Thelma Osbourn, Janet & Wayne Williams, George Ellis, Vernon Ellis, Calvin Williams, Pansy Quant, Ferguson Williams, Norma Robinson, Helen Heyward, Pinky Ferguson, Tommy Ferguson, Robbie Ferguson, Nina Pinder, Kenneth Grant, Londa Adolph, Derek Grant, Allan Grant, Kirkley Grant, Joyelle Melhado, Mario Ingham, Michelle Lee, Charles Grant, Irene Glinton, Hudson Grant, Finley Frankie Grant, Finbar Grant, Barbara Bonnie Adams, Albert (Bert) Grant, Kenneth Grant, Glenroy Grant, Ena Pintard
Special Family and Friends: Henry Juice Outten of Freeport Grand Bahama; Michael Douglas of Freeport Grand Bahama; Dr. Gregory Swann of Freeport Grand Bahama, Stephen Knowles and Family, Glendamae Knowles and Family; Cora Bain of Nassau Bahamas, Donna Bain of Nassau Bahamas, Wylma Bain of Grand Bahama, Bonnie Ferguson of Freeport, Aunty Altea of Nassau, Bahamas; Melvern and Hector Williams, Don Martin and Family, Tammy Pinder, Roscoe Kemp and Family, Gene Saunders, Christopher and Sheena Saunders; Bishop Brice Thompson Presbyter Emeritus, Bishop Dr. Woodley Thompson, National Bishop COGOP Bahamas, Bishop Rudolph W. Arthur, Bishop Dr. George E. & Minister Damaris Thompson, Bishop Keith B. Palmer, David Thompson - Former Minister, Kenneth Russell - Former Minister, David Wallace - Former MP, Vernea Grant - Former MP, Glen Williams of Providenciales, ; the Hall Clan, the Spencer Clan, the Swann Clan, the Rigby Clan, the Morris Clan, the Forbes Clan, Maecal Electronics, Spirit Production AV Team, Syntex Clan, St. Augustine’s College Alumni Clan, the entire Church of God of Prophecy Family of Grand Bahama and New Providence, Turks & Caicos Islands, The Bahamas; Other relatives and friends are too numerous to mention.
MODERATOR.....................................................................................
Minister Dr. Wilfred Ferguson Assoc. Pastor CAHT COGOP Coral Road
PRELUDE.....................................................................................................................Cooling Waters
PROCESSIONAL.......................................................................................................................Family
CALL TO WORSHIP..........................................................................................................Moderator
OPENING HYMN................................................................................. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
1. Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Refrain: Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
INVOCATION.........................................................................................
Minister Dorland Cartwright
PRAYER RESPONSE ...................................................... “My Faith Has Found A Resting Place”
1. My faith has found a resting place, Not in device or creed; I trust the ever-living One, His wounds for me shall plead.
Refrain: I need no other argument, I need no other plea, It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.
2. Enough for me that Jesus saves, This ends my fear and doubt; A sinful soul I came to Him, He’ll never cast me out.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Ecc. 3:1-8
AS I KNEW HIM
3. My heart is leaning on the Word, The written Word of God, Salvation by my Savior’ s name, Salvation through His blood.
4. My great physician heals the sick, The lost He came to save; For me His precious blood He shed, For me His life He gave.
Alice V. Williams (Sister)
His Excellency Leon R. Williams
The Bahamas Ambassador to the ITU of Nassau, Bahamas (Brother)
REFLECTIONS ...................................... His Excellency The Most Honourable Cornelius A. Smith Former Governor General, Commonwealth of The Bahamas
TRIBUTE..........................................................................................................CAHT Men’s Ministry
CONGREGATIONAL SONG “Where the Soul of Men Never Dies”
1. To Canaan's land I'm on my way, Where the soul (of man) never dies. My darkest night will turn to day, Where the soul (of man) never dies.
Chorus:
No sad farewells, No tear dimmed eyes; Where all is (peace and joy and love), And the soul (of man) never dies.
2. The rose is blooming there for me, Where the soul (of man) never dies. And I will spend eternity, Where the soul (of man) never dies.
3. The love light beams across the foam, Where the soul (of man) never dies. It shines and lights the way to home, Where the soul (of man) never dies.
4. My life will end in deathless sleep, Where the soul (of man) never dies. And everlasting joys I'll reap, Where the soul (of man) never dies.
5. I'm on my way to that fair land, Where the soul (of man) never dies. Where there will be no parting hand, Where the soul (of man) never dies.
TRIBUTE ..................................................................................................................CAHT AV Team
HYMN ................................................................................................................... “Heaven’s Jubilee”
1. Some glad morning we shall see Jesus in the air; Coming after you and me joy is ours to share. What rejoicing there will be when the saints shall rise; Headed for that jubilee, yonder in the skies.
Chorus:
Oh what singing, oh what shouting, On that happy morning when we all shall rise. Oh what glory, Hallelujah! When we meet our blessed Savior in the skies.
2. Seems that now I almost see, all the sainted dead; Rising for that jubilee, that is just ahead. In the twinkling of an eye, changed with them to be All the living saints to fly, to that jubilee.
3. When with all that heavenly host, we begin to sing, Singing in the Holy Ghost, how the heavens will ring. Millions there will join the song, with them we shall be; Praising Christ through ages long, Heaven’ s jubilee.
REFLECTIONS .................................................................
The Honourable Michael C. Pintard, M.P. for Marco City and Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition
MINISTERIAL REMARKS
Bishop Keith Palmer Sr. Pastor COGOP, Pinedale
Bishop Stephen Cefort Zone Coordinator, East GB, Sr. Pastor COGOP, Hawksbill
MUSICAL TRIBUTE.............................................................................................Bro. Dirk Geurrier
FAMILY TRIBUTE................................................................... Deacon Howard Williams (Brother)
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON…1Cor. 15:50-58
LaVerne Parker (Niece) and Catherine Handfield (Sister)
PRAISE & WORSHIP Praise Team
EULOGY
Bishop Dr. George E. Thompson
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY ..................................................................Minister Joseph A. Taylor
RECESSIONAL HYMN................................................................... “When We All Get to Heaven”
1. Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain:
When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory!
2. While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when trav’ling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.
3. Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.
4. Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.
COMMITTALSERVICE
OPENING REMARKS..........................................................................Bishop George E. Thompson
OPENING HYMN........................................................................................................ “City Of Gold”
1. There’s a city of light, where there cometh no night; It’s a City of beauty untold. All my treasures up there, and it’s beauty I’ll share, When I get to that City of Gold.
Chorus: When I leave all sorrows and care, I will say good morning up there. I will have great gladness untold, When I get to that City of Gold.
2. There’s no sorrow up there, In that City so fair; And no sickness can enter I’m told. Shadows all will have flown, I will meet friends I’ve known, When I get to that City of Gold.
3. Won’t you come go with me, to that home of the free; Won’t you see heaven’s beauty unfold. If you will come along, we will sing heaven's song, When I get to that City of Gold.
PRAYER Elder Tyrone Wildgoose
COMMITTAL
Bishop Dr. George E. Thompson
REMARKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Russell’s and Pinder’s Funeral Home IT’S ALRIGHT NOW GLAD REUNION DAY
BENEDICTION
1. There was a time I travelled, a lonely sinful road, Beneath a heavy burden bending low, But now all things are different, for Jesus took my load, It's alright now, I'm His I know.
Chorus: It's alright now, for I am in my Saviour's care, It's alright now, my Saviour hears and answers prayer; He'll walk beside me 'til I climb the heavenly stair, And everything is alright now.
1. There will be a happy meeting, in heaven I know; When we see the many loved ones we've known here below. Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow; That will be a glad reunion day.
Chorus:
Glad day, a wonderful day. Glad day, what a glorious day. There with all the holy angels, and loved ones to stay; That will be a glad reunion day.
2. And down a lonely pathway without a friend to guide, I walked in sin and sorrow all alone; 'Til Jesus came and found me, and drew me to His side, It's alright now for I'm, His own.
3. No more in sin I wander, no more in darkness roam, The Lord hast placed my feet on higher ground; Each day new heights I'm gaining, my soul is nearing home, It's alright now; I'm heaven bound.
2. There within that Holy City we ’ll sing and rejoice; Praising Christ the blessed Saviour, with heart and with voice. Tell Him how we came to love Him, And make Him our choice. That will be a glad reunion day.
3. When we live a million years, in that wonderful place; Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face. It will seem but just a moment, of praising His grace. That will be a glad reunion day.
“The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, And delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…”
Psalm 34:17-18
It brings me great sadness to write this. It is the promises from God that keeps me thru this time of despair. My father has shaped me into the person that I am today. During my childhood, I thought my dad had the answers to everything, he was like an encyclopedia to me. Despite this, there were times when I would ask him some questions and he would say “Look is up boo.” I would often wonder why he would tell me look it up if he already knew the answer, but I understood that in those moments he was preparing me to be independent. I told myself he was preparing me for the world to come, knowing that one day he would not be here to answer me. I told myself this because him not knowing was infathomable to me. Now I, myself tell my children “Look it up”, but it’s because I really don’t know. My father was full of stories and lessons and wisdom, he not only told them, but he also lived them. He taught me patience, kindness, long-sufferring and most of all he taught me selflessness. He did this thru fostering a God-fearing home, built on God’s promises. He was very crafty, and I remember him putting money in our bibles…a sneaky way of trying to find out if we were reading our Bibles. The love he shared for us was invaluable. I have many happy memories, but these memories, yet I’m still feeling the overwhleming saddness of him being gone. I was never prepared for this, but I am comforted that he is with God. His love and words of wisdom will live on inside my heart, on the side of mummy.
“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Psalm 62:8
From your loving daughter Vanessa
" I Okay Boo" is something that you always said, but I am now sure that you are okay. Thank you for being a wonderful Father, Grand Father and Great Grandfather for myself and my children, even though we may not have seen eye to eye on some things I am eternally grateful you are my Dad. We will miss you forever but now we know for sure that you are indeed "Okay”. Love you always.
Athena
TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER
My dear brother Calvin, why did you leave us so soon, when there is yet much work to do? You were uniquely called of God to work within many spheres but now that you’re gone there is a void that only God can heal.
I remember a video that I made where mom was speaking about you as a child and she recalled that you never crept as a baby – when it was time, you just stood up and started walking! Mom was so amazed and scared at the same time. Your inquisitive nature began taking form when you took apart Dad’s radio insisting that a person must have been inside speaking. Of course, Dad didn’t find that to be funny and you were reprimanded for it, but at least with your love for technology, you had something to practice on after Daddy bought a new one. You were on fire for God from the moment you received Christ with evidence of tongues while we were all at a revival. Your giftedness within the field of Audio-Visual systems has been a blessing not just for our local church Community at Heart Tabernacle COGOP, from its construction stages - pulling wires and designing systems -, but numerous churches within Grand Bahama and internationally received your assistance and expertise in implementing their AudioVisual systems, protocols and standards.
One of my fondest memories was the Easter Stage production called “The Crucifixion” that you wrote and casted and even produced, bringing sound tracks of lightning storms & rain and we all made our own costumes and on the opening night, the power of God filled the building, so much so that on the 2nd and 3rd nights there was only standing room available for the crowd that came to experience the production.
I could go on and on about all the amazing things my brother accomplished and all the lives he impacted, but to us, the family, he was loved as simply a brother, a father, an uncle, a cousin and a friend. His laugh will forever ring in our memories, and we honor him for his love and dedication to ministry.
Sleep on my brother! We miss you dearly, but now you are safe in the arms of Abba our Father. We love you boo, take your rest!
Always,
Your brother Howard & family
If you closed your eyes and tried to imagine Santa Claus as an audio-visual whiz, with a deep love for people, and a boisterous laugh that would shake a room, you’d be picturing Uncle C perfectly. Calvin Williams wore a snowy beard and had twinkling eyes that held wisdom and kindness beyond measure, with a presence that was larger than life. He brought light and sound to people’s lives, not just through his expertise in technology, but through the warmth he shared so freely with everyone he met.
Uncle C was a pioneer in the world of technology, an audio-visual maestro who elevated theatrical productions, mass concerts and various kinds of gatherings to experiences that many would remember for a lifetime. He worked behind the scenes, but his impact was always front and center, creating seamless shows that left audiences in awe. His genius was evident in the way he handled the most intricate details. He could fix just about anything, having a knack for making the most complicated problems seem simple.
And let’s not forget his humor! He could make even the most somber occasions light up with laughter. His loud, infectious laugh could be heard from a mile away, drawing people in, and making them feel welcome. But watch out for those pinches! If he caught you off guard, he’d get you so good, you'd feel it for days. That was Uncle C, intense in everything he did, from jokes to hugs to the endless wisdom he shared.
He was a scholar too, “The Rabbi,” whose understanding of scripture was as deep as his love for others. He shared this knowledge with humility, always willing to help anyone who sought guidance. His love for YAHWEH and family was boundless; he saw people, especially family, as treasures to be cherished. He went out of his way to help, to listen, and to lift others up.
As we say goodbye to a remarkable man, let’s remember the light he shared, the laughter he brought, and the countless ways he loved. Uncle C, a father, an uncle, a mentor, a teacher, a friend, you’ll be dearly missed, but your spirit lives on in every memory you gave us. Rest peacefully Uncle C and may we meet again!
Chanika, Eddison, Ellianna, Elisha, Elaina & Elicia
F. G. Williams
F. G. Williams
In the midst of our sorrow, your kindness has been a light. We, the family of Calvin Franklyn Glen Williams, want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love and support we’ve received.
Your stories, your tears, your embraces they have reminded us that his life was woven into a beautiful tapestry of connection and love. Whether you stood with us in silence, shared a memory that made us laugh, or simply kept us in your prayers, you have helped carry us through this journey of loss.
Thank you for showing us that grief is not endured alone but shared among those who care. He has taught us so much about love, and your compassion has been a continuation of that lesson.
With all our hearts,
The family of Calvin Franklyn Glen Williams
Minister Vernal (Chris) Capron (Nephew)
Andrew Williams (Nephew)
Brenville Marsh (Friend & Mentee)
Leroy Sturrup (Maecal)
Alvan Graham (Maecal)
His Excellency Leon R. Williams The Bahamas Ambassador to the ITU of Nassau, Bahamas (Brother)
Deacon Howard Williams (Brother)
Alexander Williams (Brother)
Bishop Samuel Williams (Brother)
Henry (Juice) Outten (Friend)
Michael Douglas (Friend)