Guy Williams Obituary

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Guy O. Williams left this world the same way he lived in it-peacefully, with his wife, Susan, by his side, just as she's always been.
If you knew Guy, you know it's hard to describe him without smiling. He had that rare gift of making people feel seen, heard, and valued-whether in a boardroom, on a city block, or coaching on the field. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and somehow leave them better than he found them.
Born on September 22, 1953, in Washington DC to Virginia and Charles Williams, Sr., Guy grew up in Carsondale, Maryland. Surrounded by love, laughter, and community, it shaped his deep sense of purpose. After graduating from Bucknell University, he found his calling in Detroit, pouring his energy and heart into environmental justice, social equity, and making things better for real people in real communities.
Guy believed deeply in meeting people where they were. He didn't try to outshine or outtalk anyone-he listened, walked beside you, and helped you move forward. He was a builder-not just of programs and plans, but of trust, of bridges, of community.
He led with purpose, helped shape Detroit's climate action plan, and brought together unlikely collaborators to get real work done. Through organizations like the National Wildlife Federation, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice (which he co-founded), and his own firm, G. O. Williams & Associates, he kept showing up-cancer diagnosis or not-right until the very end.
Of course, Guy received awards for his work-the Milliken Leadership for the Common Good Award, Michigan Green Leader of the Year, and Bucknell's Service to Humanity Award, among others-but that's not what he'd want in bold print. What he'd be proudest of is the mentoring: the young people, folks in recovery, teammates, colleagues, neighbors, even strangers who became friends.
Coach Guy was more than a longtime assistant football coach-he was the heart of the sideline, a cornerstone of Lincoln Athletics, and a steady, beloved presence who made a difference every day. For 20 years at Lincoln Consolidated High School, he mentored and guided hundreds of young men, not just to be better players, but to grow into responsible, kind, and resilient citizens. His smile could light up a locker room, and his dedication knew no limits-from running drills and driving athletes to practice, to offering quiet encouragement or a listening ear when it mattered most. He never looked for praise-he simply showed up, asked where he was needed, and gave his all. His legacy lives on in the athletes, coaches, and families he touched. Lincoln is better because of him-and always will be.
At home in Ypsilanti, MI, Guy was all heart. He adored his family-his wife Susan; his children, Allison (Kristy) Lynch of Louisville, KY and Spencer (Kelsey) Danehy of Ypsilanti, MI; his grandchildren, Milo and Aurora Lynch and Tanner and Sloane Danehy, and his brother Charles Williams, Jr. (Chuk) of Riverside, CA. Becoming a grandfather was one of his greatest joys. He was proud to be known as "Big Papa".
While we will miss his presence, Guy will be in the music you hear, the green space you walk through, the work that continues, the laughter at a family dinner, and the gentle reminder that we're all in this together. If he crossed your path, you mattered to him. Truly.
Memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the Nie Family Funeral Home, 320 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197 from 1-5 pm. A short service at the funeral home will be held at 5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
-Charles R. "Pop" and Virginia H. Williams Endowment Fund at http://bit.ly/charlespop
-An environmental justice organization of your choice
-Or, consider donating to a local AA chapter in honor of Guy's quiet but powerful commitment to recovery and second chances