Kenneth Leon Williams

Reflections of His Life

Kenneth Leon Williams

First Light                                Twilight

May 20, 1952                          April 19, 2026

Kenneth Leon Williams (Kenny), the son of the late Bishop George A. and Mother Myrtice L. Williams, was born on May 20, 1952, in Ocilla/Irwin County, Georgia. He was one of seven children. Kenny’s two brothers, Anthony Vernon, Zonder DeVon, and his sister, Assistant Supervisor Jacqueline Williams Clay preceded him in death. His parents, along with their children, later relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Kenny received his former education from the Philadelphia School System. He attended Wagner Jr. High and Olney High School, from which he graduated. During his time at Wagner Jr. High, Kenny took an interest in mechanical drawing and woodshop. When attending Olney High School, he continued taking woodshop classes. It was the woodshop classes that were instrumental in developing his interest in wielding.

Kenny was a member of Rehoboth Church of God in Christ, where his father, Bishop George A. Williams was the founder and pastor. As a child, he was a member of the Jr. Usher Board, where Sister Ruth Fulton was the president, and the Sunshine Band Choir, which was led by Evangelist Eloise Emory. During his childhood, Kenny played the drums for the Sunshine Band Choir while his brother Anthony, and his friend Charles Emory, Jr. played together on the same organ at the same time. His cousin Winfred Williams played the congas (drums), his brother Marvin played the maracas, and Joe Williams sang. This group formed a band and traveled to different churches to render service.

Kenny was employed by Baden Housing Steel, which is now known as Pennsylvania Steel Company, located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. He also worked for Lenny’s furniture, located on Frankford Avenue, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his later years, Kenny worked for Saints Tabernacle Outreach Ministries, where Rabbi Larry Dobson is the pastor. He also worked for Rehoboth Church of God in Christ until his retirement.

Kenny was loved by his family and friends. He was affectionately known by his family as “KYW” because he somehow received and delivered information before anyone else. His brother Marvin used to say, “There’s a Television, a Telephone, and then there’s Tell-a-Kenny.”

Kenny met and married Joanne Ruff, and they were united in Holy Matrimony in 1978. Through this union, they had one daughter, Kaliah Dionne Williams.

Kenneth Leon Williams leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Kaliah Dionne Williams; his step-mother, Mother Sherly Williams, one brother, Bishop Marvin Williams (Evangelist Sandra); three sisters, Irma Jean Johnson, Princeciner Renee’ Williams, and Kristin Nicole Burton; one granddaughter, Taheira Williams; one uncle, Deacon Floyd Williams and one aunt, Mother Gaynell Snead; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family

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