David Shelby Lindsey Williams

Williams,

David Shelby Lindsey

Muskegon, Michigan

David Shelby Lindsey Williams, age 69, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 31, 1953 to Alfred and Rossie (Boles) Williams Jr. David's family moved to Muskegon when he was a baby. He became a Michigander and found his home here in Muskegon, where he met his forever bride Martha Grycki. They Married in 1978 in Ann Arbor, Michigan where the two made their home in Ypsilanti with their four daughters. David was a man of many talents and through those passions, he led an exciting life with many career paths.

He attended Muskegon Public schools and graduated from Muskegon High School in 1971. While in high school. David began to finesse his running skills. He ran track and cross country. He became a master modeler and won competitions for his meticulous ability to recreate the realism of the WWII planes. He earned his black belt in Isshin-ryu karate. He was a self taught avid guitar player and became a lifeguard.

David was a natural born runner. His mother's account is that he never walked, he just stood up and started running and never stopped. From his own words, "The running gives me discipline and also is my recreation". David attended the University of Michigan where he excelled in track. He was a two time All American, a Big Ten champion, and the captain of the track team for two years. He was a world class runner, second in the Nation in the 600 yard. He was honored with the Fielding H. Yost award for academic achievement. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in education.

After college, David worked at GM for 13 years and went on to become a certified mechanic. He taught auto mechanics at MoTech automotive school where he had many successful students. He then worked at the Washtenaw county garage for a few years before leaving to pursue a career in education.

David worked for Willow Run Community Schools where he taught many subjects and held many roles over the years in grades preschool through 12th. One of the many positions he held was working with alternative education students where he made a positive impact on so many young lives. While working within WR schools, David coached track and cross country and he was the announcer for football and basketball games. He was known as "The voice of Willow Run". He represented the WR staff as the union rep for many years. He retired from teaching in 2013, when Willow Run Community Schools closed. While working at WR, he earned his Master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in Technology Education.

After retiring, he worked security and lifeguarding. He received an accommodation in 2016 from Washtenaw County while lifeguarding for saving the life of a young man from drowning. In 2017, David moved back to Muskegon, MI. He became involved in his home town community in Muskegon just as avidly as he was in Ypsilanti. He was a board member for the Nelson Neighborhood Association.

In retirement, he enjoyed playing his guitar, playing with his grandchildren, and spending time with his family. He loved fishing and spending time with his wife at the lake. His favorite family vacations were camping by Lake Michigan throughout the years. He loved to grill and cook on the campfire.

David was a deeply caring and sensitive man. He didn't know a stranger. He could converse with anyone and make them feel valued and safe. He always found himself in positions that supported the most vulnerable members of society, whether it was volunteering at the salvation army, with the Superior Township Jaycees or coordinating a community outreach event with the neighborhood associations. He made it his personal life's mission to do God's work.. He will be greatly missed and will always be one of a kind!

He is survived by his wife Martha, his four daughters, Lindsey Prentice (Brad), Teresa Williams, Rozlyn Roman (George), Jessica Waara (Rob), grandchildren Serina, Jackson, Owen, Zoe, Amelia, Mathias, Winter, Willow, and baby Waara. His sisters Sharon Willams (Pat), Adekola Adedapo, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Alfred Perry Williams III (Sonny), and Robert Christophe.

SERVICE

Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 11:00 AM at St Paul's Episcopal Church, 1006 3rd St, Muskegon, MI 49440. With visitation one hour prior. Interment in Mona View Cemetery.

VISITATION

Tuesday, 29th of August, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home, 1469 Peck st, Muskegon, MI 49441. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.