Marcus LaRone Williams

Marcus LaRone Williams was born on August 25, 1969 in Buffalo New York to Vivian (Williams) Hearon.

In loving memory of Marcus, a remarkable soul who touched the lives of countless individuals with his unwavering spirit and boundless enthusiasm for life.

From a tender age, Marcus displayed an extraordinary sense of independence and self-reliance. Those snowy Detroit winters held a special place in his heart, as he seized every opportunity to turn the white wonderland into a bustling entrepreneurial venture, shoveling snow with gusto. Summers in New Jersey brought him closer to his grandmother, a time that forged precious memories and an unbreakable bond.

Shyness never found a home within Marcus. Whenever he embarked on flights, it was not just a journey to a destination but an adventure into camaraderie. By the flight's end, he'd find himself in the cockpit, sharing laughter with pilots who welcomed him as one of their own. His friendly nature knew no bounds; Marcus had an innate gift for making everyone feel welcomed and cherished.

As a young boy, he fearlessly boarded the Detroit city bus, setting out on his own path to education. Marcus attended Bow Elementary School, Coffey Middle School, and proudly graduated from Henry Ford High School in 1987. In school, he was an avid swimmer, making waves on the Henry Ford High swim team.

At the tender age of 14, Marcus embarked on a profound spiritual journey, accepting Jesus Christ and receiving baptism from Pastor Johnny Blanks at Saving Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. His faith remained unwavering throughout his life, and he continued to serve, dedicating his time and talents to Linked Up Church in Powder Springs, GA, as a valued member of the Technology Team.

After high school, Marcus answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Air Force with honor and dedication, serving for five years. Post-military service, he embarked on a career path that would become his passion—Information Technology. To family and friends, he was the beloved 'IT' guy, a computer enthusiast with an innate knack for problem-solving. As a child, he had an insatiable curiosity, forever disassembling and reassembling things. His intellect shone so brightly that his wife and sons affectionately dubbed him "Google." He was, without a doubt, the smartest person they knew.

Family held a special place in Marcus's heart. Described as the heart of his family, his love radiated with purity and warmth. His wife could attest to his persistent pursuit of her heart, their love story blossoming in September 2013 over a casual "coffee" meeting. The rest, as they say, is history. They exchanged vows in September 2015, welcomed their precious baby boy in September 2016 and February 2022, Marcus solidified an unbreakable bond by formally welcoming Ryder into his loving embrace through adoption. Marcus's greatest joy was witnessing his children excel in sports, a passion he shared with them wholeheartedly—football, baseball, basketball, swimming, and martial arts.

Sports were more than a pastime for Marcus; they were a way of life. His wife lovingly referred to him as 'ESPN' because he possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of all things sports-related. He and his uncle Denny would host draft parties, meticulously assembling the perfect roster for the Detroit Lions Football Team, a tradition that would span for days. His love for baseball was equally profound, and he dedicated many years to coaching little league and tee ball at various locations in Georgia, including Milford Park in Smyrna, East Marietta, and East Side Baseball in Marietta. His coaching prowess led his teams to numerous victories, and he even ventured into coaching AAU Basketball and the CFL 3rd grade Wheeler Wildcats football team, where they clinched the Superbowl title.

Marcus embraced his inner nerdiness with pride. He was an avid reader, indulging in comics from both DC and Marvel, along with a penchant for fantasy novels and the beloved Harry Potter series. His all-time favorite movie, "Guardians of the Galaxy," held a special place in his heart, and he watched it every time it aired. He was also a devoted Trekkie, reveling in the worlds of Star Wars and Star Trek, harboring dreams that one day, his wife and boys would share in his boundless love for these iconic franchises. Truly, Marcus remained a child at heart, endearing him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Amid the challenging times of the pandemic, Marcus unearthed a newfound passion for the art of crafting beer. In his heart, he nurtured dreams of founding a haven where the fragrant smoke of slow-cooked meats would intertwine with the rich aroma of freshly brewed beer, a place where flavors and camaraderie would unite in a delightful symphony.

On September 5, 2023, Marcus departed this earthly realm, leaving a void that can never be filled. He leaves behind cherished memories, a legacy of love, and an indomitable spirit that will forever inspire us all. He leaves to cherish his many beloved memories, his wife, Jatika Furtick Williams, sons, Ryder and Brody; father and mother, John and Vivian Hearon, Detroit, MI; brother, John “Rusty” Hearon, Dolton, IL; sister, Keli Hearon, Denver, CO; sister, Tanesia “Nesi” White (Mark) Ypsilanti, MI; uncle James “Denny” Hall (Donna), Inkster, MI; In-Laws Clemon and Betty Furtick, Swansea SC; Brothers in Law Antonio Sutton (Regina) Killeen, TX, Jeremy Furtick (Crystal) Ruther Glen, VA; Cousin Tribe Tangi Gantt (Floyd) McDonough, GA; Jamil Johnson (TeGenet), Detroit, MI; Khadijah Johnson, Bowie, MD; Delvin Williams (Joline) Atlanta, GA. A host of nieces and nephews and other family members and friends.