Obituary of McKinley Williams, Jr.
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of McKinley Williams, Jr., at the age of 43. McKinley passed from this life suddenly, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. McKinley was born September 18, 1977 in Jonesboro, Arkansas where he resided until moving to Rockford, IL as a youth. He attended Auburn High Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) School, where he found his niche. He graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
He is survived by his beloved mother, Brenda Huggins; father, McKinley Williams, Sr.; loving fiancée, Kristen Youla; dearest children MaKenzie Williams, McKinley Williams III, Arianna Williams, and Yasmina Youla, as well as many other friends and family members.
McKinley’s professional career was working as a loan processor; however, his true passion was being creative. He possessed tremendous talent and vision for truly unique and original drawings, paintings, and writing stories.
As an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, he enjoyed relaxing and watching his favorite pastime on Sunday afternoons. Even bigger than his love of football was his heart. McKinley truly had a gift to lift anyone’s spirits. It was hard to not smile after the end of a conversation with him. If you had the pleasure of knowing McKinley, you were likely the victim of one of his many pranks or jokes.
Visitation for McKinley Williams, Jr. will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet, IL. Capacity restrictions of 25 people will be followed along with observing social distancing and the wearing of face masks for both the visitation and the funeral services.
The family has requested to live stream the services of their loved one on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 11:15 a.m. Please click on this link https://youtu.be/pnMgDdc8uAk and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers and connection are. Interment will be at Plainfield Township Cemetery immediately following the funeral services.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
