Michael Anthony Williams

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to Tony, the strongest and most loving man we knew. On October 2, 2024, he transitioned to his next purpose. Tony was a force—his energy and presence filled every space he entered. As we learn to adjust without his physical presence, we find comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on, and we now embark on a new relationship with him, one that goes beyond the physical world. Tony was born on April 7, 1958, in San Francisco, CA, as Michael Anthony Williams to parents Marion Williams and Frederick Dixon Sr. He is the eldest of their four children— Adrienne, Lisa, and Freddie Jr.—and three additional sisters from his father Freddie— Tangela, Valeria, and Deborah Dixon. Tony’s bossy and ambitious nature became apparent early on. His siblings fondly remember him as a bit of a bully, especially to his youngest sister, Lisa. “She’ll do whatever I say because I’m the big brother,” Tony proudly declared. Though he was quiet around the house and often spent time alone, Tony had hobbies that filled those moments. He loved playing his electric guitar and working on his prized Chevy Impala. His siblings also remember how he learned to cook from their father, and cooking for the family became something Tony truly enjoyed. He was also known to be a great friend, always ready to lend an ear and listen to others. In 1979, Tony met the love of his life, Carmen, and they hit it off immediately. While Tony was mesmerized by Carmen’s beauty, she fell for his kind, gentle, and caring spirit. She fondly remembers him always doing something for someone, including her. Carmen recalls being spoiled by Tony—he went out of his way to ensure she had everything she wanted and needed. They married in 1981, affording Tony an additional brother and sister, Gary and Carolyn Kirkpatrick. They also welcomed their first daughter, Tiffany Monique Williams, in August of that year. In 1984, their family grew with the arrival of their youngest daughter, Tracy Mikeiya Williams, and they settled in Vallejo, where they would raise their family, with Tony continuing to spoil all three of his girls. By then, Tony could no longer spend his days building cars—Carmen made sure of that. He was a loving, though stern father. His daughters knew him as someone full of fun but also held the highest expectations for who they were as young girls and the women they would become. Tracy recalls that “bully-like” nature, but always wrapped in love. Tony had a signature phrase: “Who loves you, baby?” the girls would reply, “You do.” Even as they became adults, Tony had strong opinions about what they needed to do, telling Carmen, “They’re going to do what I say because I’m the daddy.” In 2006, Tracy gave birth to her daughter, Aahleiyah Gabriele Nelson. Tony, excited to have another girl to spoil in his life, joked that he was too young to be called "Grandfather" and never committed to a title. As a result, Aahleiyah called him “Tony,” which she picked up from hearing her grandmother say it. When Aahleiyah was 3, Tony took her to New Orleans to meet more family. There, they teased her, saying, “Stop calling your grandfather by his name.” But Aahleiyah confidently responded, “His name is Michael Anthony Williams, I am calling him Tony.” Later, his grandsons, Kevyn Nolan Neal Jr. and Grayson Michael Neal, followed suit. Tony even gifted his grandchildren an electric guitar, which Grayson will learn to play in honor of his grandfather. The kids knew him as “the boss,” a title Tony wore proudly, as he would often say, “You are gonna do what I say because I’m da boss.” Summers were filled with fond memories of their time with Tony—his boat, his beloved Mustang, and his famous ribs. Outside of family, Tony devoted 20 years to Napa State Hospital, where he worked closely with deaf and mute children, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. He also supported his wife with her daycare and spent some time as a truck driver before fully retiring. Retirement didn’t slow Tony down—he always had to be doing something. A vital part of Tony’s life was his friendships. His daughters fondly remember the same core group of friends that remained constant in their dad’s life over the years. Among them were Damond Shiloh, Andre Swiney, and Renald Powers, to name a few, and later David and Earl Trumbull. Tony knew how to have a good time with his friends, whether it was on yachts, fishing trips, or at parties—cookouts and barbeques that he led. He spent a great deal of time at the Vallejo Yacht Club, where he even acted as a bartender and cook from time to time. He was also extremely close with his nephews Kevin Jr and Tyrell Grady and Marquis Colemen. Tony often made special exceptions for his favorite nieces, Lacoya Coleman, Lamika Austin, and Tiauna Kirkpatrick. Tony was the pillar of our family. He will be truly missed and never replaced. He is survived by his wife, Carmen, his two daughters, Tiffany and Tracy Williams, and his beloved grandchildren, Aahleiyah Gabriele Nelson, Kevyn Nolan Neal Jr., and Grayson Michael Neal. He also leaves behind his siblings, Adrienne, Lisa, and Freddie Jr., Valeria and Deborah Dixon, and brother and sister-in-law Gary and Carolyn Kirkpatrick, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, God-daughters, and countless friends. We want to thank Tony for the 66 years of love, joy, and laughter he gave us. His most significant contribution is the legacy of family and leadership he’s left behind. We promise to move forward with the love and lessons he shared, and we will continue to make him proud—because he is the boss!

Michael Anthony Williams

April 7, 1958 - October 2, 2024