Troy Anthony Williams Sr.

Troy Anthony Williams, Sr. passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 55, following a prolonged illness. Born on August 2, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Troy was the eldest of eight siblings. From an early age, he formed a special bond with his grandmother, the late Lucille Jackson Williams, whose influence and memory he cherished throughout his life. After graduating from John McDonough Senior High School in 1988, Troy married Andrea Weaver in 1989. They were married for nearly thirty-five years and had six children together. In the early 1990s, Troy moved his family to Dallas, Texas, where they resided for many years. In 2004, he returned to New Orleans shortly before Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. After the storm, he relocated his family to Auburn, Nebraska, where he lived at the time of his passing. Troy was a true entrepreneur. Over the years, he established and managed multiple businesses, including an online retail store, a music production company, a clothing boutique, mobile carpet cleaning services, a grocery store, and a mobile detailing business. He also worked diligently in various roles to support his family, including serving as a General Manager for over 17 years and working in finance. His most recent positions were at Cargill and Honeywell Meter Co. in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Troy embraced life's joys, particularly through karaoke, where he frequently performed at Cat’s Meow in New Orleans alongside family and friends. In every note and rhythm, music became a source of immense happiness for him. Faith was central to Troy’s life. Baptized at an early age, he was deeply involved in church activities. In his youth, he attended Greater Little Rock Baptist Church, where his uncle, Bishop Johnny Williams Sr., pastored. He later worshipped at the Word and Worship Church of God in Christ in Dallas, TX, under the leadership of Superintendent Edward L. Pipkin and Philippi Evangelistic Church of God in Christ, in New Orleans, LA, pastored by his brother-in-law, Superintendent Willie Lee Thomas, III. He maintained a strong spiritual connection through the 5:00 a.m. prayer line. Even after relocating to Nebraska, Troy maintained a strong connection to his first faith community. Together with his mother and Philippi, he made it a priority to attend the annual COGIC International AIM Convention whenever and wherever it was held, always accompanied by his family. He was an unwavering supporter of his children and grandchildren, attending their sporting events and celebrating their achievements with boundless pride. Troy's presence was always felt at football games, track meets, basketball games, wrestling matches, mixed martial arts events, and soccer games, where he was the loudest person in the room. He often shared sayings like, “Souljas don’t die; they improvise to make the situation better,” “You take care of what you claim as yours,” and “You heard me.” He used these phrases so frequently that his son, Tory, was inspired to name his mixed martial arts business Soulja MMA. Meanwhile, his daughter, Tierra, wrote the phrase, “Souljas don’t die; they improvise,” on the side of her track and field spikes. These words left a lasting legacy, influencing his children’s passions and pursuits. Troy's resilience was also evident through his 17-year battle with hairy cell leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, bone marrow cancer, and liver and kidney disease. Despite these challenges, he faced life with determination and strength, inspiring those around him. He was indeed one of a kind. Along with Andrea, Troy is survived by seven children: Troy Jr., Tory, Dylan, Tierra, Tyler, Taja, and Tamia; two daughters-in-law, Jackie Williams and Kayleen Williams; seven grandchildren: Myia, Alliyah, Ella, Layla, Zion, Dion, and Tyrus. He also leaves behind his mother, Missionary Vernette Williams Albert; his seven siblings: Amanda McKey (Warren), Valcindranette (Val) Albert Thomas (Pastor Willie L. Thomas, III), Elder George H. Albert, III (Dominique), Elder Jude Albert, Missionary Angel Albert Skinner (Pastor Frederick Skinner), Dr. Nicole Albert Jones, and Georgette Albert; aunts: Mary Bender, Eyvonne Freeman, Minister Gracie Williams Lyman, Burnetta Knight, Jacquelyn (Jackie) Hughes (Cornell), Gail Scott, Gizelle Scott, and Gina Scott; uncles: Bishop Johnny Williams, Sr. (Dr. Ruth), Rev. Johnny Ray Williams, and Lionel Williams (Leander); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Troy was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rev. Eddie “Papa Son” and Lucille Williams; his paternal grandparents, George and Louise Scott; his father, George Scott; his stepfather, Bishop George H. Albert Jr.; aunts: Loretta Williams Johnson, Alberta Williams Hills, Gwen Scott; uncles: Herman Williams, Willie “Joe Baker” Williams, Alton Williams, Tommy Williams, Leroy Williams, Jack Williams, Bo Scott, and Gary Scott. Troy will be celebrated for his steadfast faith, entrepreneurial drive, deep love for his family, vibrant personality, infectious laughter, and incredible strength. His life exemplified perseverance, love, and the transformative power of community.

Tributes

Troy Anthony Williams Sr.

August 2, 1969 - December 26, 2024