SR0463 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0463 LRB096 15119 GRL 30167 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ray Michael Williams of Peoria, who passed away on October 6, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Ray Williams was born on November 17, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri; he was born to the union of Elbert and L.V. McClinton Williams; and

WHEREAS, Ray Williams was employed as an event planner; he was also a volunteer at the "Helping Hands" Center in Springfield; and

WHEREAS, Ray Williams, known as "Billy Ray" in his younger years, enjoyed roller skating, playing handball, listening to good music, and performing stand-up comedy; he also wrote an autobiography titled "The Life & Times of Prince Billy"; and

WHEREAS, Ray Williams was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest sister, Genova Dunn; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, Ray Williams and Marlene Davis became parents to Orlando Antonio Davis; Orlando has two beautiful children, Shila Destiny Davis and Antonia Ray Davis, who were the highlight of Ray's life and were constantly woven throughout the conversations of "Grandpa Ray"; he also leaves behind his brothers, Elbert L. Williams and Andre Williams; his sisters, Doris Shaw, Jerdean Watts, and Bertha Richardson; he was also happy to recently meet and welcome his father's daughter, Denise Day, into his loving family; and

WHEREAS, Ray Williams will be remembered by all who knew and loved him as a fun loving person who loved to tell a good story that was filled with laughter and fun; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Ray Michael Williams; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ray Williams as an expression of our sympathy.