Frank Lee Williams

Frank Lee Williams was born on July 19, 1967, in Fargo, Georgia, to the late Rosalee Kennedy and Frank Williams. Raised in a close-knit household, Frank was lovingly brought up by his mother Rosalee, her husband Ellis Kennedy, and his father Frank Williams. As the youngest of eleven children, he quickly earned the family nickname "Baby"— a name that stayed with him throughout his life.

Frank attended Berrien County High School, graduating in 1985. Driven by a strong sense of duty, he expressed an early desire to join the military. Though underage at the time, his mother signed the necessary consent forms, allowing him to enlist in the United States Navy. In 1985, Frank began his military journey, proudly serving during the Iraq War. After transitioning to the Navy Reserves to fulfill a full 20-year commitment, he was once again called to active duty—this time to serve in Afghanistan.

Upon returning stateside he settled in Philadelphia, Frank continued his commitment to public service, working at the Philadelphia Navy Yard Brig. He later relocated to Clementon, New Jersey and embarked on a new path as a Correction Officer with the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey. In 1999, he graduated from the Camden County Sheriff’s Academy, beginning a new chapter as a Sheriff’s Officer. Over the years, he served with distinction in both the Court Security Bureau and the Transportation Bureau before retiring in 2015, having dedicated 25 combined years to military and civilian service. Frank was a proud member of PBA Local 277.

Throughout his life, Frank found joy in the simple pleasures—fishing, hunting, and reminiscing about the catches he brought home in his younger years. But nothing thrilled him more than riding his motorcycles, a passion that always brought a spark to his eyes.

Frank was a deeply spiritual and devoted family man who loved the Lord and his family with equal passion. He gave of himself freely, always ready to lend a hand or share a word of encouragement. Around his birthday each year, it became tradition for Frank to make the long drive to Georgia, cherishing those moments of connection with his roots, often bringing the kids along for the trip.

He was a faithful member of Temple of Deliverance Church in Pennsauken, New Jersey, where he worshiped and served with humility and joy. In retirement Frank made Nashville Georgia his home, where he enjoyed the slower pace of life—spending time watching tennis, college softball, or a good scary movie.

In February 2023, Frank answered another call to serve, receiving the hand of fellowship as a Deacon at The Bridge Church in Nashville, Georgia, where his walk in faith continued to grow under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Robby Rowe.

On May 28, 2025, while surrounded by his wife, daughters, and loving family at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Frank peacefully departed this life and ascended to his heavenly home—on his own terms, with dignity and grace.

Also mourning his loss are his wife Sonia Williams and his cherished children: daughters Cameisha Williams, Chantel Williams, Kristen Williams, and Kayla Williams; and stepsons Dewayne Shines and Keith Whitmore. Frank was a proud grandfather to ten beautiful grandchildren: Khaseem Yasir Jamal Clark, Kimanii Marie Santiago, Kaylee Sky Martin, Khari Mason Whitmore, Kevin Cleveland Liverpool, Shiyah Troy Elkins, Kassidy Lee Elkins Williams, Mason Shines, Landon Shines, and Summer Riley Shields.  

Frank is also survived by brothers Bobby Edwards (Lillie) and Ernest Williams as well as sisters Arlene Brown, Frankie Williams, and Ernestine Williams. He was preceded in death by his siblings Frank Edwards, Mae Willie Miles, Alma Copeland, L.D. Green (Martha Ann), and Johnny Green. In addition to his immediate family, Frank will be deeply missed and remembered by a large and loving extended family, including many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Frank brought light, laughter, and kindness to everyone around him. His legacy lives on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely. We will honor his memory by carrying his love forward.

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