Dr. Marc Joseph Williams

He is survived by his wife, Pei-Ru Lin Williams, their daughter Maru-Sattva Wang Lin Williams, and Marc’s older daughter Arianna Williams. Marc was predeceased by his mother, Constance Faye Williams. He leaves behind his father Sanford J. Williams, brothers Sanford S. Williams (Anastasia) and Benji Williams (Naoli), sister Kori Hillson (Darrell), nieces and nephews, Kiara Williams, Sanford Johnathan S. Williams (Anne), DJ Hillson (Christina), Nia Williams, Kendall Hillson, and great nieces and nephews Zoe Williams, Sanford I. Williams, River Reign Henderson, Uncle Fred Dowling (Gwen), Uncle W. Joseph Dupree, Aunt Theresa James, Godparents Henry and Cornethia McCloud, and many cherished cousins and a multitude of friends and former students.

Dr. Marc, as he was known to colleagues and students, was a man of impressive academic credentials, dedicated to growing his knowledge, capacity and service. His PhD in Educational Leadership from West Virginia University, Master’s Degree in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Bachelor’s in Sociology from William Paterson University laid the foundation for his illustrious career. He was also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His pioneering work in sports marketing earned him widespread recognition, including being named among CORE Magazine’s “Top 100 Influential Blacks in the World” and The Network Journal’s “40 Under Forty.” A sought-after speaker on sports, e-sports, entertainment, and leadership, he was recognized by CNN as a top inspirational speaker. His influence extended to the creation of the Champs Sports Bowl and product placements in numerous films, music videos, and video games, including the Oscar-winning Sideways. He also authored The Art of Networking and Defeating Cancer: A Holistic Approach to Living an Empowered Life.

Dr. Marc’s marketing expertise, honed during his tenure as a senior leader at industry giants Champs Sports, Reebok, and Footaction, provided a strong foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures. He leveraged this experience to found Williams Communications, LLC, an award-winning brand management consulting firm representing a diverse roster of clients and brands.

Later in his career, he transitioned to higher education, where he generously shared his knowledge and mentored students at several universities. He further amplified his impact through his “Dr. Marc’s Masterclass Podcast”. He served on the board of The Black Collegiate Gaming Association, co-founded the St. Peters University Esports and Entertainment Program, and established the HBCU Esports Alliance, comprising 40 HBCU schools. The City of Springfield, in 2018, honored him with a “Dr. Marc Williams Day” for his impact empowering young people.

Marc’s career spanned the intersecting worlds of sports, music, and entertainment. His impressive resume includes collaborations with industry giants Warner Brothers, Riot Games and Atlantic Records, Hidden Beach Records, Jet Magazine, BET, Champs, Spaulding, Nike, AND1 Mixtape Tour, Miller Lite, Circle City Classic (HBCU Bowl), and the Basketball Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, Marc collaborated with a constellation of celebrities: Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Chris Brown, Chris Rock, Shakira, Usher, Aaliyah, Venus Williams, 50 Cent, TI, Allen Iverson, Leroy Burell, Carl and Carol Lewis, Rick Barry, Dick Vitale, Dominique Wilkins, Talib Kweli, MC Lyte, Dougie Fresh, Special Ed, Master P, Quinn Bruckner, Naturally 7, Maroon 5, Will Farrell, and so many more.

Dr. Marc was a man of passion and vigor — a husband, father, son, nephew, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor. His work took him across the vast expanse of the U.S. He was constantly on the go, yet one of his greatest joys was to share a backyard barbecue with family and friends. His terminal cancer diagnosis in the spring of 2023 brought immense hardship but also revealed the extraordinary strength and love of his wife, Pei-Ru. His siblings and their families are deeply indebted for her tireless devotion and unwavering care. We gather to mourn the loss of this exceptional man, whose life, though too short, touched so many. We celebrate all the memories and lessons that he shared.

To view a video tribute to Dr. Marc, please follow this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YUbxBNU2teq0bGU-sDyUBVkzeg2Jwby9/view

For a digital version of the Service Folder in memory of Dr. Marc, please follow this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vpway9FQZDRIbSq2F6MPgp5lFvDaeSJw/view