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Michael Anthony “Tony” Williams died on April 12, 2019.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Mildred Williams Orr and Paul Williams; a brother, Junior Banks; and a sister, Leslie Banks

Survivors: son, Lyden Williams (Amber) of Charlotte; daughters, Erin Williams of Charlotte, and Emily Williams Anderson (Walter) of Florida; brothers, Bill Williams (Sandy) of Asheville, and Dewayne Banks; sisters, Susan Silvers of New Bern, Sonia Bryant of Greensboro, and Kelly Banks  and Anita Banks Rivers and their partners.

A public servant, social entrepreneur and innovator, he was passionate about making people’s lives better. He began a career in public service as a soldier in the U.S. Army and later as a law enforcement officer. He would go on to found Piedmont Bonding Services in Mocksville and later, Surety Agents for North Carolina (SA4NC) – a policy and advocacy organization dedicated to bail bond and policy reform. His commitment to serving others was grounded by his strong Christian faith. He previously worked as a refugee and asylee resettlement coordinator with World Relief and was a fierce defender of religious freedom and human rights. As a social entrepreneur working with communities in Vietnam, he founded Helmets for Vietnam – a charity providing helmets for motorcyclists in effort to combat accident-related traumatic brain injury, and Restoration Coffee –  a sustainable agriculture venture with independent coffee farmers. Marrying his love of music with his business acumen, he also founded and ran WC Records and managed many regional and national recording artists throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. A lover of travel and culture, he was curious of mind and spirit. His adventures took him all over the world.

His life will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 17 at Davie Funeral Home, 416 Valley Road, Mocksville. Visitation begins at 5:30 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 6:30.

Memorials: World Relief (https://worldrelief.org/give).