Garrett E. Williams, Jr. affectionately known as “Bleek” was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 15, 2023, at Oak Grove Health and Rehab in Chesapeake VA.
Garrett was born on September 29, 1933, in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Garrett E. Williams, Sr. and Marvenia Price Williams. He attended Norfolk Public Schools, graduating from Booker T. Washington High school in 1952. He continued his educational pursuits and in May 1955 would complete a diploma program in Industrial Education from Norfolk State University, known at the time as Little State.
Upon receiving his diploma, he was hired at the Naval Supply Center, Naval Station in Norfolk, Va. He was drafted in the United States Army in July 1956. He served in the US Armed Forces from 1956 to 1958 and received an honorable discharge. When he returned home, he continued to work at the Naval Supply Center retiring in 1988 after 32 years of service as a Foreman and Competency Based Certified Instructor. During that time, he received a certificate of appreciation from the Commander and Chief President Bill Clinton and a SSP award for Sustained Superior Performance. He went on to retire from the Army Reserves after 36 years as Sergeant First Class Paratrooper.
Garrett and his best friend Downs worked part-time at the Flagship restaurant in Portsmouth for 38 years. The Flagship was the fine dining choice of Portsmouth’s elite. The clientele dressed in furs, evening gowns and dinner jackets. The duo became known for the exemplary service they provided to the patrons and were highly requested. It was here he would meet the likes of mayors, lawyers, doctors, and members of law enforcement who would later become the Chief of Police and the Sheriff.
Garrett’s life as a professional public servant would lead him to become a Deputy Sheriff for the City of Portsmouth Virginia. As Deputy Williams, he was known for his commanding cadence as he opened the court session. His opening delivery: “All Rise”, was done like no other and widely recognized. Deputy Williams always saw the best in people and treated everyone fairly. From time to time, he’d run into former inmates who would thank him for the positive words and encouragement that he extended. He officially retired after 20 years in 2009.
By chance encounter, Garrett met the love of his life while both were employed at the Naval Supply Center. His best friend, Downs used to ride the work bus with Joyce from Cavalier Manor and asked if he could introduce her to his best friend, Garrett. She declined but fate would intervene. One fine day, they literally ran into each other, papers were flying everywhere. As he was helping Joyce pick her papers up off the floor, he was smitten. He knew that they would love each other for the rest of their lives. Their love and devotion for one another is timeless, with their union being blessed to see 57 years.
One Sunday morning while visiting Friendship Baptist Church, Garrett gave his life to the Lord. He was so ready to start his relationship with God. He went on to be baptized and served on the Trustee and Usher boards.
Garrett loved spending time with his family, eating and preparing good food, watching westerns, Family Feud, and sports. He was always eager to share stories of wisdom and encouragement, his many accomplishments and of the good people he met along the way. He would often tell his family, “I’ve lived a good life; I never imagined that this would be my life.” He said, to sit in a room and feel love, happiness, and support from a group that I can call my family is better than I ever dreamed’. He accredited this life to his wife Joyce. “I never would have had this life without her and I’m thankful he would say.”
He was predeceased in death by his parents and grandson Joshua.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Joyce, sons Garrett Williams III(Teneka) and Anthony Craig, daughters Felicia Wilson (Charles), DaRelle Williams (Ernest) and Terrie Muhammad; grandchildren Isaiah Wilson, Shatoria Gwynn, Serena Wilson, Taylor Wilson, Jamal Burris, Nafis Muhammad, Nya Muhammad and Simone Williams; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
