Celebrating the Life of

Pastor Billy Dee Williams, Jr.

Gifted To Us On: March 9, 1977  

Called Home On: August 9, 2025

Pastor Billy Dee Williams, Jr.—affectionately known as Billy Dee, BDW, and Pastor Billy—was a man whose life radiated love, faith, and joy. On August 9, 2025, at the age of 48, Pastor Billy transitioned from labor to reward, leaving behind a legacy that stretches across cities, states, and nations.

Born on March 9, 1977, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to the late Billy D. Williams, Sr. and the late Phyllis Lorraine Robertson, Billy was a gift to everyone who knew him. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rev. Ira and Ethel Robertson; his paternal grandparents, Albert and Catherlean Williams; and his brother, Marquis Franklin.

From an early age, Pastor Billy accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized under the leadership of his beloved grandfather, the late Rev. Ira Robertson, Sr. He grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, attending Watson Chapel High School, before moving to Texas in 1992 where he attended Desoto High School.

As a young man, Billy worked alongside his grandfather and uncles in the family construction business, where he not only learned skilled trades but also developed his love for people and service. In 1996, he moved to New Jersey to live with his Aunt Allison (“Mom”), where he became a devoted member of VOD Ministry under the leadership of Apostle Charles Hawkins. It was there he met the love of his life, Elite Lady Tanisha Denise Hayes.

On May 6, 2005, Billy and Tanisha were united in holy matrimony in Vineland, New Jersey. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising five children—Shakerra, Byrianna, Tyana, Kyara, and Byron—and recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows on May 9, 2025, in Puerto Rico surrounded by family and friends. Pastor Billy was a devoted husband and father whose love for his family shined brightly for all to see. He didn’t just talk the talk—he lived his faith out loud, and with his wife, co-authored the book Blended But Not Broken, drawing from their personal journey.

In 2014, Pastor Billy answered God’s call to launch Love Oasis Ministries, under the spiritual covering of his uncle and aunt, Pastor Alvin & Rochelle Robertson as his spiritual father and mother. His ministry was marked by deep compassion, heartfelt counsel, infectious laughter, and an unwavering commitment to “Love You Back to Life,” the motto he lived by. From Haiti to Japan, people knew his name and his heart.

Pastor Billy’s professional life was as diverse as his talents. He served in leadership roles such as Walmart, CVS, Target, and the YMCA, ran his own construction business, and worked as an Independent Contractor and Lead Technician. In recent years, he was also a dedicated and respected employee at May Funeral Home, where he served families with the same compassion he poured into ministry.

A natural athlete, Pastor Billy played football, basketball, baseball, and golf throughout his life. He taught and coached every sport, mentored countless youth, and—by his own admission and the agreement of many—considered himself a G.O.A.T. on the court. His heart belonged to football, and his favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys.

Beyond his skills and accomplishments, Pastor Billy had a magnetic personality, a sharp sense of humor, and a big, open smile that could light up any room. He had a gift for making people laugh, a knack for finding his way anywhere, a heart that found joy in lifting others, and a keen way of making everyone feel like they were his best friend.

Pastor Billy leaves to cherish his memory of his loving, devoted, and faithful wife, Tanisha Denise Williams; four daughters, Shakerra Smith (Jeremiah), Byrianna Griffin, Tyana Brooks, Kyara Williams; one son, Bryon Griffin; six grandchildren, Genesis, Roman, Cairo, Jeremiah, Hannah and Korinne; three godchildren, Symfani (Edward) Taylor, Olivia Rios-Thomas, and Taj Jones; three brothers, Ke’Drick Mallet, Eric Pugh, Quay Gilder; four sisters, LaTaveya (Andre) Vault, Keundra Gilder, Sherri (Alfred) McKinley, and Terri Roland; parents-in-love, Barbara Hayes and Louis (Nadine) Hayes; his best friend, Pastor Parish Lowry; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual sons and daughters, and dear friends across the world.

Though his time on earth feels far too short, Pastor Billy’s impact is eternal. His was a life poured out in service to God and others. Today, we celebrate not just that he lived—but how he lived: with love, joy, faith, and a heart that never stopped giving.