Johnnie Leroy Williams, Sr.

Johnnie Leroy Williams, Sr. was born on August 12, 1963, in Maricopa County, AZ, to Mary Lee Robinson and Johnnie B. Williams. In 1975, at the age of 12, Johnnie and his younger brother Kevin moved with their family to Portland, Oregon — the city that would become both his playground and his classroom. Growing up in Portland, Johnnie developed a sharp sense of independence and entrepreneurship, starting out selling candy door-to-door and eventually becoming the co-owner of a clothing store.

Johnnie attended both John Adams and Andrew Jackson High Schools, where he was well-loved by his classmates. During lunch breaks, you could often find him hanging out with his group of “patnas” or showing off his basketball skills in the gym. Summers were no different — Johnnie could always be found on a local community court, playing like an NBA star. His talent and love for the game were unmatched.

As the eldest of five boys, Johnnie naturally took on the role of leader and mentor. He guided his younger brothers toward manhood, teaching them to set goals, work hard, and become positive influences in their communities. Johnnie emphasized the importance of family, respect, love, and self-sufficiency — values he lived by and passed down through example.

Johnnie was known for his vibrant personality — loud, funny, and always the life of the party. He loved to dance, crack jokes, and freestyle rap with the younger generation. A master on the grill, Johnnie often barbecued enough food to share with his friends and coworkers. He dedicated 20 years of hard work to the Portland Bottling Company.

In his downtime, Johnnie enjoyed relaxing at local bars or restaurants, often dropping a $20 (or more) into a video poker machine on Thursdays or Sundays. His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his grandchildren — watching them play, dance, and run around in happy chaos. To Johnnie, they could do no wrong.

When it came to sports, Johnnie’s passion was undeniable. He loved basketball — cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs in college hoops and his hometown Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. But football was his true love. A diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, Johnnie took game day seriously. If you were around during a game, you knew better than to interrupt him while he was “coaching his team.” And heaven help you if you talked bad about “Dem Boys” — or laughed when they were losing!

On December 3, 2006, Johnnie married his beloved wife of 19 years, Karin Parrish, and proudly became “Pops” to her five children. Johnnie was a protector, a leader, and a man with a generous heart. He loved deeply and without judgment, and in return, that love came back to him tenfold. His family and friends cherished every moment spent with him, and his absence leaves an unfillable void in our hearts. We will hold tight to his memory, his laughter, and his love. Rest in peace, Johnnie “Blaze” Williams — you will truly be missed.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Spain; father, Johnnie B. Williams; son, Johnnie L. Williams, Jr.; bonus sister, Michelle Holden; and her daughter, Shamari Lundy (Toni).

He leaves behind to mourn his passing his devoted wife, Karin Parrish-Williams; son, Nyagah Baker-Williams (Chocolate); brothers, Kevin Williams, Kenyatta Black (Ken), Suga Ray Black (Sugabear), Saundita Black (Dinky), Mark Williams (Kristy), Deshawn Williams (Shawn)-(Duni), and Demetria Williams (Bunky)-(Sara); bonus mother, Vera Holden-Williams; bonus brother, Ernest Holden Sr.; bonus sisters, Vernetta Holden-Washington (Gary), Annette Holden, and Latanya Holden-Jenkins; stepsons, Tyree Tabb Elliott (Cherron), Cedric Love III (Jaymie), Arthur J. Sims; stepdaughters, Shae'Lynn Parrish and De'Anjernell Parrish; daughters-in-law, Christina Porte and Melisha Talley; stepson from a previous marriage, Taurean (Torey); eleven grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

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