Phillip Emeal Williams

Friday, February 19, 2010 Mr. Phillip Emeal Williams age 80, a resident of Calhoun since 2001, was called to rest on Sabbath February 13th at Hamilton Hospital in Dalton following complications from pneumonia. Phillip was born in Mexico City, Mexico on May 17, 1929, son of the late Esther M. and John A. Williams; who were residing as missionaries from the Inter-American Division of Seventh-Day Adventist. Phillip began his education in public school, but soon the family moved to Puebla, Mexico, where Phillip and his siblings attended a private school; after completing the fourth grade, the family returned to Mexico City, where Phillip completed elementary school. Phillip chose to begin his work life early. His work varied; from a shipping clerk at a publishing house to a sweater machine operator, delivery-man, to working in an oil refinery in the Gulf of Mexico, and later in life, a plumber. Phillip loved sports like soccer; but boxing was his favorite. He was secretly promoted in boxing matches without his parent’s knowledge or consent. He was known during his brief boxing career as “Baby Chocolate”. At age 21 cadet Phillip was drafted into Mexican military service in Monterey, where he served as a cadet. After his military service, Phillip left Mexico and immigrated to New York City. After a few years, he was introduced to and married the former Ms. Sarvia Martinez; together their union produced four children. And soon afterward, they moved the Buffalo, N.Y. In Buffalo, Phillip was able to provide a cleaner environment for his children and enjoy the company of his sister Esther May and his nephews. Later in life, Phillip and his wife moved to Calhoun for better weather and to be near family. In his later years, Phillip spent time at the senior center, entertaining his fellow seniors with his piano playing and storytelling. When he could no longer spend his days at the senior center due to ill heath, he spent his remaining time on this earth with his children and grandchildren at home. Phillip was preceded in death by his brother; Alfred, Lewis and Israel and his youngest sister; Nellie. He is survived by his wife Sarvia M. Williams of Tierra Blanca, Mexico, eldest daughter Marilyn and three sons, Victor and his wife Lilyan, Alvin and his wife Christina, and Richard. He is also survived by his older brother James Ernest and younger sister Esther May Jackson; 5 grandchildren Jonathan Phillip, Christopher, Aysha, Joshua, and Matthew; 10 nieces and nephews Ruby, Pearl, Anthony, Saundra, Donald, Arlita, Thaddeus, Michael, Glen Vincent, Stephen, Chaundra, and James. He is also survived by his mother in law Manuela; brother-in-law Manual; three sisters-in-laws Leticia, Semiramis, and Vicenta; and cousin Laura. Funeral services will be conducted at 12 Noon Sunday Feb. 21st from the Calhoun Seventy Day Adventist Church with Pastor Jose E. Escobar officiating.. Interment will follow in the Fain Cemetery. Sons and Cousins will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Saturday evening. Phillip will be taken to the church to lie in state Sunday morning at 11am until the funeral hour. The family requests that in addition to flowers contributions be made to the Williams Family, 217 Forrest Hill Cir.S.W. Calhoun , Ga. 30701 You may sign the online register book or express private condolences at WWW.thomasfuneralhomecalhooun.com. Thomas Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements