Kenneth Armando Williams

Obituary For Kenneth Armando Williams

Kenneth Armando Williams was born to Gladys Williams and Earl Brooks on April 28,1965, in Los Angeles, California. Ken was the youngest of his mother’s five children. His siblings on his mother’s side included Cynthia Williams, Michael Williams, and David Williams - all of whom preceded him in death. His brother Kevin Williams is left to mourn him. On his father’s side, Ken later discovered and developed a loving and dedicated relationship with his sister Tashima, who is also left to mourn him.

During his formative years, Ken developed a deep love for his faith and served in various positions in his congregation with dedication and commitment.

Ken was educated primarily in the Los Angeles Unified School District and was an exceptional student, maintaining excellent grades from elementary through high school. He attended Inglewood High School where he proved to be an outstanding tennis player; he graduated in 1983.

Ken moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1985. Ten years later, he reunited with the love of his life, Margo Codd-Williams of Los Angeles, California. Ken had first met Margo when he was nine years of age and she was eight. They shared their first innocent kiss. Eventually, they lost contact as their families relocated. However, Ken expressed throughout his younger years to his friends that one day he would find Margo and marry her; and that he did. They were married on June 17, 1995, in a small ceremony in Carson, California.

At the time they married, Ken had already been blessed with daughter Paloma Williams from a previous marriage. Margo had also been blessed with two children from a prior relationship: daughter Jennifer and son Christopher. They were excited to create a blended family and increase the joy by expanding their family. They welcomed son Dylan in 1998, daughter Zoe in 2000, and daughter Hannah in 2002. Ken absolutely loved his family and spending quality time with his children. His family remained his priority throughout his life.

Ken worked hard and was intentional in his efforts to create the life both he and Margo desired. He excelled rapidly wherever he was employed, winning multiple awards, gifts and accolades. Widely recognized for his beautiful baritone voice, he became a midnight host at the Foxy 107/104 Radio-One station in Raleigh. As an entrepreneur, Ken also enjoyed great success in his own business ventures.

Ken was passionate about making the world a better place for others. He volunteered to help feed homeless individuals at Christmas time; he served as president of the Hotel & Motel Association of Raleigh; and he worked and volunteered with the Durham Rescue Mission. He also donated regularly to the Ronald McDonald House and Heifer International. His desire to make a positive impact on the earth led him to support the organization 4ocean.

Ken enjoyed going to movies and watching documentaries. He was a voracious reader of self-help and science fiction books. He enjoyed playing board games, which was one of his favorite things from childhood.

Ken loved people and making them feel heard and valued. To know Ken was to love him.

Ken was diagnosed with kidney disease 20 years ago, which wore on him toward the latter part of his life. Sadly, Ken transitioned on January 1, 2023. To borrow a phrase from his dear friend Oie, “He left us in love.”

Ken is survived by his best friend and ex-wife Margo Williams; daughter Paloma Williams; son Dylan Williams; daughter Zoe Williams; daughter Hannah Williams; stepdaughter Jennifer Ryse; stepson Christopher Mark; his brother Kevin Williams (Rose); his beloved sister Tashima Brooks; step-grandson Tommy Dial Jr.; and a host of family and beloved friends.

We ask that you keep Ken’s children in your prayers.