Donte Williams

Obituary For Donte Williams

Donte Wendell Williams was born on September 26, 1995, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Barbara Williams and George Baker (“Junior”). He transitioned from this life on February 18, 2026.

Donte was a graduate of McGavock High School. He worked in construction and was employed by TVA, where he dedicated himself to his craft with strength and determination.

Donte should never be spoken of only in the past tense, because his spirit lives on in everyone who knows and loves him. Though he may have looked intimidating at first glance, those who truly knew him know he was the biggest goofy ball — loving, caring, and possessing a heart of gold. Donte loved playing Xbox, weightlifting, comic books, birds, Marvel and DC, and spending quality time with the people he loved most.

He was selfless, full of life, and a light in dark places. A true super-soldier at heart, Donte’s greatest superpower was the strength of his character.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mothers, Barbara Williams and Melba Waller, and his father, George Michael. Though life began with loss, he was raised with enduring love and guidance, and he carried the strength of those who poured into him every day of his life.

Donte leaves to cherish his memory his sister and brother, Pamela Denise Waller and Michael Wendell Waller Jr.; his niece and nephews, Mikeia Denise Waller, Micah Wanya Talley, and Preston Michael Gordon; his cousin, Michael Johnson (“Michael J”); his close friends, Fabian Arambula, Nefy Meza, Brian (“Rambo”) and Jeni Bell, Jessie Shortt, Kayla Martin, Justin Shortt, Jonathan Roa, Jerry Morton, Mason Robinson, and Stephen; his childhood friends, Joseph Walker, Joshua Walker, and Kendrick; and friends of the family, Mr. Hal Hadden and Ms. Linda Hadden.

He was especially grateful for Scott and Marsha Shortt, who were like parents to him — a devoted father and mother figure who loved him as their own and helped guide him through life’s lessons, even teaching him practical skills like how to change a tire and standing beside him with steady love and wisdom.

Family Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 12noon-1pm, with Funeral Service to follow at 1pm, J C Hellum Funeral Chapel, 107 Stokes St, Lebanon, TN 37087

Interment at Evans Hill Cemetery, Hermitage, TN.

Please keep the Williams family in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to J C Hellum Funeral Home, 107 Stokes St, Lebanon, TN 37087. 615-444-4558

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