Lawrence Williams Obituary

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. I miss you my brother!

I am sorry for your loss and may God bless you all.I did not know Andre very well, but each time we saw each other in passing at work we would always speak or wave. Andre was a very warm and kind gentleman who will be missed.

To my brother Andre.
I wake up thinking all that has happened was a bad dream. Day by day I realize it isn’t a dream. My cell still has your number in it. I have a lapse and actually think to call it and then remember I cannot. I have so many good memories of us growing up together, and am very glad to have had you in my life. You were a friend as well as a brother we had a lot fun times. In our older years when you were away on a trip somewhere I would miss you while you were gone, and glad to hear your telling of your adventures when you returned.I kept the post cards you wrote.It feels that way now to me. Like you went on a journey, though I’ll have to wait longer to hear about it this time. My youngest daughter still talks of you in the present. She says we’ll go visit grandma, and granddaddy, great grandma, all her cousins, aunts and uncles and uncle Andre.I tell her that you are with god now and she says jesus? I say yes, and she says o.k. and she's fine with it. When you were coming over they would stand at the door waiting for you all three of them. You always had a magical way with kids, as you were a big kid at heart yourself. No famous person was a bigger star in their eyes than you. To me you are my little brother who had a great sense of humor, a warm smile, and a contagious laugh, you were always just fun to be around. Your brothers and sisters in the military can attest to that im sure. I thank all of them, and everyone for their kind words for you. I know how much you cherished their friendship. We had Mexican food the other day your favorite. You would come over for sure on those days sheila was making it. I still can see you meticulously putting together a smothered burrito, and tacos in the kitchen. I would kid you about doing it with the seriousness of a science project. It was a love we shared since childhood. I ate two one for me and one for you in your honor. When i see something funny that reminds me of you. I’ll start smiling without knowing it. The kids will ask “Dad what are you smiling about”. I say I was thinking about your uncle Andre. I told you that night before you traveled to that wonderful place to quit being hardheaded and wake up. I didn’t mean into the next world. But we will see each other again, and laugh together. The only thing separating us now is time. I am grateful for all the memories of you I will cherish for the rest of my life. tell grandad we miss him too. I know you wouldn't want anyone overly sad, so to all reading this remember what it was about Andre that made you smile or laugh. thats how i feel he would want to be remembered, and like me you might find yourself smiling also.
Love Always Andre
Your brother Mike
p.s. Kat. I remember that picture from the newspaper too.

It was an honor to serve with you, Andre. I was shocked and saddened by your passing. You must have been called for a higher purpose.

Dear Andre,
I went to work today and felt your presence everywhere. You touched so many lives here at the hospital from patients, co-workers, the food and environmental service workers. Everyone remembers and misses you. I miss you. I think of how much fun we had working together, all of your metaphors and analogies and many laughs, as well as serious conversations and thoughts we shared.
I was just talking about you last week with someone and how much fun you were. You were always the kids favorite staff.
When past patients think of their experiences they include what a meaningful part you played in making a positive difference in their lives.
Andre, you were an amazing man with so many gifts you gave to others. I am so glad you were in my life and I had the opportunity to share time with you.
Please know you are loved and will be missed.

My Dearest Andre,
I have been so sad since I found out about your passing. I think that you knew how much I cared about you. It has not really sunk in that you are gone, but I know that you are in a better place. If I would have know, I would have told your family what a wonderful son and brother you were,and how blessed I was just to know you and to be in your presence. I will miss your wonderful sense of humor and all the times we shared together at work. You were so suave and personable. Words cannot express how much I will miss you and I will never forget you. You will always have a very special place in my heart. I love you.

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve the loss of Andre. Andre will be missed greatly. He was a very special person and friend. May god bless you and your family.

I never met Andre's family but I spent some time in conversation with him about life, dreams and hopes and God. I know that he loved the Lord and I will miss his kindness. I apologize that I am out of the state and will not be able to attend the funeral. My most sincere prayers go out to his family.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

Andre,
You are a warm and special man who touched so many lives in your short time on earth. You made a difference for so many kids with your ability to connect and be in the moment with them.
I will always remember you, and the difference you made in so many lives.

Hey Andre,

You will always be in my memories
we have had quite a few journey together. I refelected upon them just the other day wanted to recall my most fondest memory. My most memorable journey would be the day we went shopping for a Mother Day present for Grandma. You were about seven we had went downtown to get a present, after a busy day of shopping we had stopped to rest at the bus stop when a photograper from the newspaper asked to take your picture. you had feel asleep leaning your head next to this big gift wrapped box. It was the cutest thing a classic moment in time.Next day we were on the front page of the Sunday edition.It was a wonderful picture. Little did I know that at seven you were on your way to absolute greatness Your accomplishment were outstanding, sports star, double major as an undergraduate and eventually a master degree wonderful Your travel journey as a reservist were once in a lifetime opportunities.I enjoyed hearing about your adventures when your returned.You were always helping other along the way with a wonderful smile. Andre you touched so many lives on your journey. that you will truly be missed peace be still.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

My thoughts and prayers got to Andre's family and loved ones and May Our Lord rest his soul in Eternal Peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Andre,

You'll never believe what I did today Andre. I went to your funeral. I just can't believe that, how does that happen? I guess if you have to have a funeral it was a good one, but I'd just the same have preferred to meet you for that beer we were always meaning to meet for. Alcon was there, all long haired and grey. I didn't recognize him at first, you wouldn't have either probably. He got up and talked about you a little. Craig Smith was there, he talked too. There were a lot of people from the 39th there, Ron and Stoney, Art, Alyssa, Deanna and Deano. Jon Shaw was there with his pregnant wife, she's due Tuesday they said. Marie was there too, so was Hoser all dressed up in his dress blues. He just got back from Iraq, it's good to see him back safe. Lori and I sat next to Chief Jahner and his wife. Medina and Garcia came also.

Ron got the Peterson Honor Guard to show up for you buddy. They were really good. They folded your flag for you really nice then went out and gave you a 21 gun salute. You always were a hero man, and they sent you off like one. They let the whole damn neighborhood know it, too. "This is no ordinary service" they said, "Today we're honoring a hero." Then the leader of the detail knelt in front of your mother and presented her with your flag. You finally got your flag.

Two weeks ago I sent you an invitation to my Halloween party, I guess I now know why you didn't reply. I really wish you could have come. I saw you on friday, the day before you passed. You looked OK, you looked like you were going to lay there for a while and recover then be back up and around. I talked to you while you rested, you opened your eyes, and you blinked for me when I said your name. I was going to go see you on Saturday Andre, but I was working late and didn't make it. I'm sorry for that, I'm sorry I wasn't there for your last day.

I have a picture of you from our trip to Korea, you're walking in to the Ammo Bowl with your fist up over your head, probably saying something about the Panthers and the revolution. I'll never forget the times we had and the stuff we talked about, from the revolution to deep cover to packing the g-12. You will be missed my brother, you will be missed.

Erin

Andre, You are truely the nicest person I have ever met. The way you always went out of your way to help others in need, I will never forget. You will be missed.

Andre' wow my friend and buddy from high school is gone...i can't believe that Dre has passed..i will always remember you friend for the many goodtimes we've shared...seems like yesterday that i last saw you..you're in a much better place now..god has called a favorite son home..we will miss you Dre'...God Bless the Williams Family !

To the Family:

I remember Andre was one of the first people to greet me at the 39th back in 2001. Although he left the unit soon afterward, I ran into him occassionally and he was always pleasant with that sideways smile!! I am still in shock by his passing, but know that he is in a beautiful peaceful place now. God Bless you all. Andre you will be missed.

Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all that we do was a way of life for Andre. You will be greatly missed by your friends and colleagues in the 39th, especially your smile, your compassion and your visits back to the Port. Your fellow “Mapper”

I am truly sorry for your loss and may God be with you .... many blessing are with your family and you are in my prayers

I am very sorry for your loss. I served with him when I was in the reserves at Peterson.He was a good person.

May God be with you in your time of bereavement. Andre and I worked together briefly at the University in Denver, he will surely be missed. He was a wonderful and kind hearted person. God bless!

To the Family,

I am very sadden to hear of the loss of Andre. Dre was truly a very special person, roommate and friend. We will all miss him for he had touch all of our lives in a speical way. My heart grieves with you in your loss of Andre.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

I am still in shock that Andre is gone. Andre and I had many personal conversations on the psychology of people. He was a kind, gentle and sensative man. What a great loss to the world and the children of this world. He will be greatly missed by many.

Dear Williams Family, I am so very sorry for your loss, Andre will truly be missed. It was an honor and priviledge to have served with him during ours years together in the 39 APS

We are so saddened by your loss. Andre was one of the most gentle people I have ever met and his passing is a huge shock. It was a pleasure to serve with him at the 39th APS for such a long time. Nobody serves without a great devotion to this country and I always appreciated Andre's long term contributions to our nation's readiness and defense. May God Bless You for your loss.
Jim and Pat Tully

Dear Williams Family;I am so sorry for you're loss. Andre,Once a "Parachute Rigger" always a "Parachute Rigger".You and you're smiling face will truly be missed.

I am so sorry for your loss. Andre was a very wonderful person and I am proud to say that I knew him and worked with him in the 39th. He was always so pleasant and kind.

I'm deeply sadden for the lose of Andre. He was a good person, and will be missed

Andre,
It was an honor and privledge to serve with you.
You will be missed, buddy,

Stoney

Lisa, Brandon, and Williams Family; I am so sorry for your tragic loss. God likes to pick his flowers when they are in full bloom. I pray for peace and serenity for you and yours. Keep your head up and look to the skies for consolation. I know the pain you are in right now and ask that God help you get through it one day at a time.

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Andre, you were a true friend to me during our years in the 302nd's 39th MAPS unit. You will be missed.


Retired TSgt Jesse W. Mayo