Michael Anthony Williams

Michael Anthony “Tony" Williams tragically passed away on April 12, 2019. He was predeceased by his parents Mildred Williams Orr and Paul Williams, and Junior Banks. Tony was a loving brother to Bill Williams, and sisters Susan Silvers and Sonja Bryant (both née Williams); to Joey Banks and Leslie Banks (predeceased) and to Kelly Banks, Dewayne Banks and Anita Banks Rivers and their partners. He was a beloved uncle and great-uncle many times over, a loyal friend and a passionate advocate for those in need. Of all those who knew him, Tony was most loved by his children - Lyden Williams, Erin Williams and Emily Williams Anderson and their partners.

A public servant, social entrepreneur and innovator, Tony was passionate about making people’s lives better. He began a career in public service first as a soldier in the United States Army and later as a law enforcement officer. Drawing from his experiences in the public sector, he would go on to found Piedmont Bonding Services in Mocksville and later, Surety Agents for North Carolina (SA4NC) - a policy and advocacy organization dedicated to bail bond and policy reform. His commitment to serving others was grounded by his strong Christian faith. Tony previously worked as a refugee and asylee resettlement coordinator with World Relief and was a fierce defender of religious freedom and human rights. As a social entrepreneur working with communities in Vietnam, Tony founded Helmets for Vietnam - a charity providing helmets for motorcyclists in effort to combat accident-related traumatic brain injury, and Restoration Coffee -  a sustainable agriculture venture with independent coffee farmers. Marrying his love of music with his business acumen, he also founded and ran WC Records and managed many regional and national recording artists throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. A lover of travel and culture, Tony was curious of mind and spirit. His adventures took him all over the world and the world was surely better for it.

Tony’s life will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Davie Funeral Home, located at 416 Valley Rd, Mocksville, NC 27028. Visitation begins at 5:30pm with a memorial service to follow at 6:30. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to World Relief (https://worldrelief.org/give) in Tony’s name so that work he cared so much for may continue.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Anthony Williams, please visit our floral store.