Obituary for Bruce Ashley Williams
- Life Reflections -
Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…
Psalm 133:1
Bruce Ashley Williams was born in Norfolk, Virginia on February 2, 1955 to the late George V. and Lois Turner Williams. Bruce professed Christ at an early age and joined the family church, First Baptist Bute Street in Norfolk, VA. He later became a member of New Life Church and served in the Men’s Ministry and Monday Evening Prayer service.
Bruce began his formal education in the Norfolk Public Schools System, and after the family moved to the Providence Square neighborhood, he continued his education within the Chesapeake Public Schools system. He graduated from Indian River High School and afterwards, attended Virginia State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Information Systems. Bruce’s career in information technology spanned over 40 years; most significantly in advisory system engineer capacities at IBM, in senior management at First Union Bank and in contract project management roles with such companies as Wells Fargo, TIAA, Bank of America and Capital One. While attending VSU, Bruce was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Nu Psi Chapter in the fall of 1975. He often spoke fondly of his line brothers known as “The Sacred Seven” and his days as step master of the Nu Psi Step Team. As his career took him to various east coast cities, Bruce became close with many Omega Brothers throughout. He truly embodied the fraternity’s motto, “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.”
Bruce was a devoted sports fan. He played football in high school and as an adult he loved attending NFL and MLB games. He was a devoted, loud and proud Pittsburg Steelers and NY Yankees fan. Bruce would attend and cheer for the local teams in the various cities he lived in as long as they were not playing against his beloved Steelers or Yankees.
Bruce also loved music, especially jazz. He played piano in his youth and always had a piano or electric keyboard in his homes. He would annually travel to New York to fellowship with friends for days at the famous Saratoga Jazz Festival.
A devoted Dad, Bruce wanted his daughter Ashli to travel and experience the kinds of things that he enjoyed. Even when she was a young child, Bruce would regularly take Ashli on extensive trips to visit family, friends and take in concerts. He loved talking with her and encouraged her ideas and interest. They shared a love for dogs, and that brought “Daisy” a large, energetic Labradoodle into their lives. Daisy became a perfect fit in their family and she often road tripped with Bruce, especially on trips to Charlotte to visit Ashli. Bruce continued to travel even when health issues challenged him. He was determined to still fellowship with friends and fraternity brothers and to take Ashli to family events.
On Friday afternoon, August 30th, God invited Bruce to Heaven for divine fellowship and an external concert. His earthly travels were finished and this trip he would have to make alone. No doubt, Bruce smiled and stepped Omega style through the Heavenly gates.
His memories will be forever cherished and often told by his loving daughter, Ashli Nichol Williams and his older brother, Bertram V., Williams and a host of relatives, fraternity brothers and friends.
Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…
Psalm 133:1
Bruce Ashley Williams was born in Norfolk, Virginia on February 2, 1955 to the late George V. and Lois Turner Williams. Bruce professed Christ at an early age and joined the family church, First Baptist Bute Street in Norfolk, VA. He later became a member of New Life Church and served in the Men’s Ministry and Monday Evening Prayer service.
Bruce began his formal education in the Norfolk Public Schools System, and after the family moved to the Providence Square neighborhood, he continued his education within the Chesapeake Public Schools system. He graduated from Indian River High School and afterwards, attended Virginia State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Information Systems. Bruce’s career in information technology spanned over 40 years; most significantly in advisory system engineer capacities at IBM, in senior management at First Union Bank and in contract project management roles with such companies as Wells Fargo, TIAA, Bank of America and Capital One. While attending VSU, Bruce was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Nu Psi Chapter in the fall of 1975. He often spoke fondly of his line brothers known as “The Sacred Seven” and his days as step master of the Nu Psi Step Team. As his career took him to various east coast cities, Bruce became close with many Omega Brothers throughout. He truly embodied the fraternity’s motto, “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.”
Bruce was a devoted sports fan. He played football in high school and as an adult he loved attending NFL and MLB games. He was a devoted, loud and proud Pittsburg Steelers and NY Yankees fan. Bruce would attend and cheer for the local teams in the various cities he lived in as long as they were not playing against his beloved Steelers or Yankees.
Bruce also loved music, especially jazz. He played piano in his youth and always had a piano or electric keyboard in his homes. He would annually travel to New York to fellowship with friends for days at the famous Saratoga Jazz Festival.
A devoted Dad, Bruce wanted his daughter Ashli to travel and experience the kinds of things that he enjoyed. Even when she was a young child, Bruce would regularly take Ashli on extensive trips to visit family, friends and take in concerts. He loved talking with her and encouraged her ideas and interest. They shared a love for dogs, and that brought “Daisy” a large, energetic Labradoodle into their lives. Daisy became a perfect fit in their family and she often road tripped with Bruce, especially on trips to Charlotte to visit Ashli. Bruce continued to travel even when health issues challenged him. He was determined to still fellowship with friends and fraternity brothers and to take Ashli to family events.
On Friday afternoon, August 30th, God invited Bruce to Heaven for divine fellowship and an external concert. His earthly travels were finished and this trip he would have to make alone. No doubt, Bruce smiled and stepped Omega style through the Heavenly gates.
His memories will be forever cherished and often told by his loving daughter, Ashli Nichol Williams and his older brother, Bertram V., Williams and a host of relatives, fraternity brothers and friends.