Sollie Williams

Born on August 7, 1950, in Bishopville, South Carolina, to Geneva Williams and Sollice Boone. Sollie was the second of seven, three sons and four daughters, born to Geneva Williams. Sollie moved from South Carolina to New York at a young age, and grew up in an extended family setting and he attributed his personal ethos to the teaching of his grandmother, Emma McDuffy.

Sollie graduated from Lewis D. Brandeis High School in 1969 and later attended City College of New York, where he earned an AA degree. Impacted by the writings of authors like Richard Wright and James

Baldwin and coming of age in the hub of the civil rights movement, Sollie briefly became involved with the Black Panther Party.

In 1970, Sollie met the woman he would describe in his later years as the love of his life, Christine Brown. The two began dating in 1972, married in 1974 and had three children. In 1980, the couple relocated their family to St. Augustine, Florida where Sollie remained until 2012. While in St. Augustine, he worked at Wise Potato Chips, VIP Industrial Products, Cracker Barrel, Hydro-Extrusions North America, and most notably, Florida East Coast Railroad, where he worked for 14 years.

After leaving the nation's oldest city, Sollie lived in Jacksonville, FL, Loganville, GA, and Texas, where Sollie spent the last six (6) years of his life. Sollie will be remembered for his work ethic, easy-going demeanor and dedication to family. Sollie had a passion for learning and creative expression. He was an avid reader, a poet in his youth, and a curious soul who enjoyed science, research, and hydroponics. He cherished simple pleasures like watching movies and following NBA basketball. Those closest to him knew he also had a great sense of humor. Sollie had a persevering spirit and an unwavering personal ethic best characterized by a phrase he often quoted, "To thine own self be true."

Sollie is preceded in death by his parents, Geneva Williams and Sollice Boone; sisters, Geraldine Welcome and Elizabeth Turner; and former wife, Christine Brown.

Left to mourn his passing are children, Bryian Williams (Maria), Kabree Williams, and Corey Williams

(Samantha), a devoted niece, Schmeikqua Greene; grandchildren, Keiasia Williams, Khalil Williams, Branden Williams, Jaden Williams, Bryce Williams, Brooklynn Williams, and Eli Williams; siblings;

Jeanette Welcome, Herbert Williams, John Welcome and Rebecca Williams; along with a host of extended family including nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and friends. Sollie's presence impacted many lives and his legacy of love, curiosity and commitment to family will remain for generations to come.

A Memorial and Remembrance Service will be held at Private 131, 1st Avenue N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 on February 15, 2025, from 12pm - 1:30pm, immediately followed by repast at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome and will contribute to his memorial.