Ercel Williams Jr.

Obituary For Ercel Williams Jr.

Ercel E. Williams Jr., affectionately known to many as Jr. or Ryder, made his debut into this world on Monday, December 10, 1979, to Ercel E. Williams Sr. and Verna Williams on the beautiful island of St. Croix, USVI. Jr. was the last of four children and the only boy with the most beautiful full, thick head of hair and bowlegs; he was the baby everyone doted on, especially his father. Ercel was exceptionally proud he had a son and often made that known, and Jr. loved and reveled in being the baby of the family and his father’s only son. Shortly after his mom moved into the Ralph De Chabert Housing Community, Jr. took over.

He not only became friends with everyone, but he also remained lifelong friends with many of them. Jr. attended Juanita Gardine Elementary School, where he excelled academically, but it was baseball that stole his heart. Just like his mother, Jr. absolutely loved baseball. In his early teens he joined Little League (1988–1992) and played with the Indians Team, and that is where Jr. really shined as they went on to participate in and win multiple series over a few years. He was daring, not afraid to go over by the first and second bridges with his friends to jump in the water and swim, which he taught himself to do.

As he navigated through Jr. High and High School, Ryder became his name of choice, and his popularity grew. Subsequently, at the age of 16, he and his dad made the decision to further pursue his education at Earl Clements Job Corps in New York. While at Job Corps, he obtained technical training, hands-on skills, and education that allowed him to work in various career fields.

As faith would have it, in 1997 Ryder met, Lavern Maynard, and in August of 2000 they had their first child, Ercel, affectionately known as Junior. Followed by Elijah, Esaiah, and Eva, his little princess, as he often referred to her. Today we proudly celebrate a young man whose presence was impossible to ignore, not just because of the way he dressed, but because of the way he loved. Willingly and unselfishly.

Ryder had a style all his own. Hats that made a statement. Sneakers that turned heads. Fashion wasn’t just something he wore; it was something he embodied and lived. Every outfit told a story, and every accessory reflected his spirit: bold, unique, thoughtful, and unapologetically himself. Filled with VI pride, he always has been. He taught us that style is about confidence, but love is about presence.

Nephews include Phillip David, Louis “Junie” Stanley Jr., Dondre “Dre” Clarke, Keith O. Davis Jr., Justin A. Davis, and Marcus K. Davis; niece, Kenyaata S. Davis; great-nephews, Kymani David and Siah T. Stanley; great-nieces, Abriella Davis, Tejase, Avah, Raiden, and Ami David; and great-great-niece, Kyara David. Cousins, Kirlin, Yvonne, and Christopher Williams, Noreen Dyer, Janice Rose, Keston and Orland Williams, Lyndon Zakers, Caren Andrews, Hillmadean Leader, Charles, Julian, Egbert Freeman, Joyce Freeman, and Blondell Buchanan. In addition to other family and friends.

His godparents, Desmond and Maria Phillips; best friend, Kareem “Stickybudz” Nedd; close family friends, Marva M. Davis, Dweyne Krauser, Rasheem “Skeet” Jones, Joseph Parris, Shelmerdean Malone and family, Desmond and Maria Phillips and family, Marion St. Luce and family, the Davidson Ave. VI Massive Crew, the entire Indians Baseball Team, Coach David “Iceman” Bermudez, Manager Waren “Duka” Brown, and all the friends and neighbors of Ralph De Chabert (RDC) and JFK Housing Community.

Rest easy Ercel E. Williams Jr. aka Jr. and Ryder “You were one of one” RDC4Life.

Ercel always showed up for his children, family, friends, and for life with authenticity and heart. But beyond the threads and kicks, what truly defined him was his love for his four children. They were his pride, his purpose, and his greatest joy. You could see it in the way his eyes lit up and his smile widened when he spoke about them, in the quiet sacrifices he made, and in the loud laughter they shared together. He was the protagonist of their safety, the shield that enveloped them. Though we feel the weight of his absence, we carry forward the legacy he left behind: to live with flair, to love without hesitation, and to never underestimate the power of a great pair of sneakers, namely Jordans!!!

He is survived by his father, Ercel E. Williams Sr.; partner, Lavern Maynard, children, Ercel P. Williams, Elijah Williams, Esaiah Williams, and Eva Williams; sisters, Tricia “Trish-Sugar” Williams, Lilia “Lily” Williams, and Mrs. Rose Williams-Prentice; and brother, Keith “Dale” Davis Sr. Aunts, Cavelle Williams, Gladys Williams-Freeman, Barabara Williams-Rose, and the late Yvette Saunders and Vercelie Davis-Andrews (twin sister of the late Verna Davis-Williams), and uncle Emile Davis (SK). He is also survived by brother-in-law, Alfred “Copter” Prentice, and sister-in-law, Celena Davis.

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