As I sat and listened to the remarks given about daddy, it reminds me of an old cliché, which says, “Give me my rose while I am alive, so that I may smell them”. Unfortunately, he is unable to smell them, but his rose will forever blossom in our hearts.
This evening we memorialize a great man with good character and in statue, a man that loved his family and wanted the best for his children. Daddy’sfirmness has made us to be respectable men and women in society today and this made him proud of his children. Daddy loved God and had a passion for his church; in fact, he held numerous positions in the church and played the organ every Sabbath morning.
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas has lost a great idol and especially the people of San Salvador, of which he gave much of himself.
Daddy was a man of action. He was always ready to cease the moment when opportunities arose or when called upon to deliver he was there. However, if something wasn’t right, he was not short of words to express his mind. You will always know when he was displeased or upset. Both of his hands would be up in the air and that was a clear indication to step aside. I recalled a particular instance, where the chef had prepared a pan of macaroni for the guest at the Riding Rock and he was not satisfied with its presentation. Just imagine a hot pan of macaroni just out of the oven. Daddy ran his hand straight through that macaroni and said “what’s this, what’s this?”
Daddy was known for many things, but when it came to spending his money he would always say “the buck starts with me and ends with me or if it was costly he would say “Who gon pay?’
Many called him JC and to others he was considered the mayor of San Salvador. Every project or business venture that came to San Salvador daddy was the man they would come to.With his struggle to success, daddy believed in the old school method- by the sweat of your brow, you shall have bread. He loved to talk about his accomplishments to people and from whence he came. Through all his trials, his wife stood by his side and maintains the home. I now understand old cliché behind everyman stands a good woman. Mommy I am proud and happy of what you and daddy have achieved together. I couldn’t ask for a better father and mother. For God has blessed you both so much and this family. I love you mommy and you promised me that you plan to be with us for a long time, God’s willing.
When I graduated from college, with thousands of parents and friends supporting their love one’s, in the midst of all that screaming I heard daddy’s voice shoutingas I shaked the presidents hand, “that’s my son!”
I have emulated my life after my father, in fact, I was told I looked so much like him, but of course, I think I am the more handsome one. Daddy started his career as a teacher and so have I. The Tuesday before he past, we talked about me finishing law school and I told him that I would be completed next year. He would always say to me he hope he would live to see the day “Williams & Co.”Everything is not in our time but in Gods hands. I assure you when I am called to the bar, it will be in honor of daddy.
Many may wonder what will become of the legacy of daddy, it will forever live on. The values and principles daddy instilled in Kevin, Carlos, Jayson, myself and especially Michelle of which many refer to as the second daddy will live on, so expect to see daddy with us for a long while.
Daddy’s life is a testament for us who remain. We must ensure every moment is spent wisely. Tomorrow is promised to no man, but its only what we do today will matter.
We our all like a bank loan, a loan from God and when we have reached our overdraft he calls us back.
Therefore, I am comforted this evening by these words, Jesus said “ In my fathers house are many mansions, if it were not true I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you and I shall return, that where I am there ye may be also. So I know I will see daddy again for God’s words are more precious than gold.
Daddy you have fought a good fight, you have kept the faith, well done, well done thou good and faithful servant. Go and receive your reward for you surely deserve it.
I will miss you, but God only calls his best, rest in peace until we meet again.
Re: Sympathy / Robert &. Cynthia Lightfoot (Friends)Read >>
Re: Sympathy / Robert &. Cynthia Lightfoot (Friends)
We are so sorry that we could not make the funeral. We extend sincere sympathy to the wife and children of Carter Williams.
Again, we in the mystery of life are brought fact to face with the mystery of death. A great man, a great Bahamian, is dead before us, and we have met to pay tribute to his greatness and his worth. His fame is secure.
A man from very modest beginnings, he was not afraid to live, not afraid to speak his thoughts, nor was he afraid to die, and so, hand in hand among them all, reached his journey’s end.
How shocking to us was his passing, after seeing him at the local town meeting in late May, feeling so well, taking part as usual, just those few short weeks ago.
I met Carter Williams 35 years ago when I first came to San Salvador to establish the College Center of the Finger Lakes’ campus in the old Navy Base at the north end of the island.
Even at that time Carter was one of the most prominent men on the island. He assisted me greatly in finding local workmen to hire and a lady to cook and clean for me. He even loaned me his motorcycle to help me get around. And during our first year of operation he ran a snack bar for our students.
I came to rely on Carter for many things and we became very close those first few years. As his enterprises developed he came to me several times to borrow funds to purchase major pieces of equipment or to start a new project. He always paid me back, and within the time frame we had agreed upon. He was proud to say, “I am a man of my word”.
I recall him visiting my home in Miami a couple of times, and we’d sit and talk about how he had been a teacher on the island in his late teens; how his view of life changed when he saw the US Navy arrive on the island with all of their large heavy equipment; and how he got his start by working on “the projects” in Florida and saving his money to begin his own enterprises. He even boasted how his knowledge had been learned from life, from the college of hard knocks!
I recall one trip we made together to Spanish Wells. I had learned to fly and had a small, single-engine airplane. Carter was interested in purchasing a cement block-making machine from a man in Spanish Wells. I agreed to fly Carter there. After negotiating for the machine and having a tour of the island we flew back to Rock Sound for fuel, but by then we realized it was not possible to reach San Salvador before dark. We decided we would have to stay overnight in Rock Sound, but discussed how worried our wives would be, since there was no way to communicate with San Salvador from Rock Sound at that time.
Thus the next morning we got up very early and rushed to take off at daylight in order to get back to San Salvador as soon as possible because we knew our wives would be worried. When I got home I apologized to my wife for making her worry, but Kathy told me she figured that if it was a deal Carter was making it might take a long time and thus we might be late, and she was not worried at all about us. When I next saw Carter he said his wife had not been worried about him either. We both were not sure if we really felt good about that.
Of course one of the major projects Carter got involved with was the salvaging of the boat he was to name the “Michelle W”. I was most excited about this project in that I knew just how desperately the island needed a freight boat to supplement the weekly mailboat and to also ply between Florida and the island.
The salvaging of this boat was a feat into itself. I advised Carter to get the bow off first and floating, so the stern could then be moved off at high, high tide. I don’t know if he took my advice, but what ever he did worked. The boat was then towed to Nassau for engine repairs and returned to San Salvador. For some reason there was no captain available to make the next trip to Nassau so Carter asked if I would navigate and pilot the “Michelle W” to Nassau. Carter knew I had piloted large boats before between Nassau and San Salvador and had a 90-ton captain’s license. We left in the middle of the night from Cockburn Town and had a large contingency of San Salvadorians on board. Of course everyone on board wanted to try steering the boat, but in actuality the only person I found who could hold a good compass course was Gussy.
I recall we made it to South Eleuthera by that evening and tied up there for the night, and I fondly remember Carter cooking me a large steak for my dinner that evening. I think he wanted to make me as comfortable as possible and also show his appreciation for assisting him in making the voyage.
The next day we continued on into Nassau, and had no problems until I tried to dock the vessel against the outgoing tide. Everyone on the dock was yelling to us trying to tell me just what to do, and we did finally get tied up. The funny thing was that everyone thought I was the owner of the boat, and I was so proud to point to Carter and say that he owned the boat.
Carter’s crowning achievement was when he was able to purchase and reopen the Riding Rock Inn in the mid-1980’s. This once again aided employment on the island and provided a place for tourists to stay. He also expanded the marina and was responsible for bringing in the many deep-sea fishing boats that help the local economy as well.
He, of course, continued to be the local Bahamasair agent and the shipping agent for any freight boats that arrive from Florida, as well as operating his construction company, building many of the newer buildings on the island, including numerous rental units and the government clinic. I think the only enterprise that Carter was never involved in was running a grocery store, but I may even be mistaken about that.
I will always remember Carter Williams as “Carter’s Enterprises”, and also by the name he so often used, “the can-do man”. And the “can-do man” did so much during his life starting from such modest beginnings, and now, so soon, he is being laid to rest. With these few words I have tried to give a tribute to Carter Williams, and a celebration of his life. I imagine angels are accompanying you, Carter, and I ask them to take care of you. I, like us all, will miss Carter Williams. The island will not be the same without him. Goodbye to you, my good friend!
He was a brother and fellow member of the Seventh-day Adventist church that I respected greatly. He loved his God, family and church. I remember his dedication to the island of his birth. I was saddened by his passing. My deepest sympathies are extended to all family members, relatives and friends. Our assurance is grounded in the promises made by Jesus that He will come again to take us all to his eternal abode.;
A GIANT OF A MAN / Pastor Leo &. Terri Rolle (Friends)Read >>
A GIANT OF A MAN / Pastor Leo &. Terri Rolle (Friends)
Bro. Williams was like a father to Leo and I as we entered early in our marriage to pastor the church in San Salvador. As this was our first Family Island assignment in 1982, he and Sis. Williams made us feel so comfortable and saw to our every need. We spent many, many pleasant moments together. Our hearts pain at his passing, but we are assured that if we are all faithful, we will see him again at the return of our Lord. May God be with you all. You are in our prayers.
It's amazing how fast I grew up! No matter how fast, and no matter how awesome my experiences through the years, my life in San Salvador (as a child) stand out among my dearest and most treasured memories!
Standing ever so fondly in those memories is a giant of a man - stern and always busy, yet his smile told you he's got everything in control and everything will be alright - Carter!
To the Williams family: Know God and trust in Him. Pray without ceasing. The best news of all is JESUS IS COMING SOON! I want to be ready to meet Him, and be reunited with my family (especially grandma Louise Ward-Major and greatgrandma Hilda Ward) and all those loved ones and friends who died "protected" and "secure" in His/Jesus' love. Be encouraged!
Please accept condolences on behalf of my grandpa William Major; mother, Carmel Armbrister; siblings Lavant (Philip Jr.), Carlin, Paul and Phylicia; our spouses Keisha Armbrister and J. Garfield Carey; and our children Tavia and Azaria.
Fear not, I will be with you even to the very end. / Chevy Smith (friend)Read >>
Fear not, I will be with you even to the very end. / Chevy Smith (friend)
To: Mr. Jamal and Family.
He's gone but his memories will forever lives on. He's just on the other side and on that Judgement Day, I hope we'll be ready. Close
I know what you're going through / Tracy Major (friend of Jamal's )Read >>
I know what you're going through / Tracy Major (friend of Jamal's )
Jamal, I had to write this especially to you because it was only several weeks ago that I saw you at Gregory's house after he died in the accident. Jamal, words cannot express how sorry I am that you're going through this because I know only too well what the pain is like. I still haven't accepted Gregory's death and it still doesn't feel real, but you have had to deal with not only Gregory's passing, but also with Caddy's death several weeks before and now your own father. I am praying for you Jamal, that you'll have the strength to carry on and to go on living because that is what they all would have wanted you to do. I'm sure that you made your father proud and now you have to go on making him proud because even though he is not here physically, his spirit will always be there with you. I couldn't believe it when I heard the news this morning and Jamal my heart is truly breaking for you. My uncle died a week after Gregory did, so I too have had more than my share of pain these past several weeks. Take care of yourself Jamal. Close
We are so very sorry / Tracy &. Bernie (friends of Jamal & Jayson )
Jamal & Jayson, we are so sorry to hear of your father's passing and we pray that The Lord gives you the strength to get through this. We remember the stories that you would tell about home in San Salvador and your father and we saw through your eyes how much you loved and respected your dad and what a good man he must have been to have made that kind of impact on you. He did a good job with you both and we are sure that he was proud of you both as you grew up to be two outstanding young men with good charctewrs and wonderful spirits. We'll pray for you both and for your mum and your entire family as we know only too well what it is like to lose a loved one. Mr. Williams, may you rest in peace and know that you did your job here on earth well. Close
Our Condolences to the Family / Carl &. Renee Scavella Read >>
Our Condolences to the Family / Carl &. Renee Scavella
We wish to share our heartfelt condolences to Mom Millicent, Jamal & family, Michelle, your siblings and the other family members on the passing of J.C. Williams, a giant of a man: A devoted husband, a loving father, a friend. God has a plan for each of us, let us purpose in our hearts to trust him completely because he knows best and let us remain faithful, claiming His promises. May God give each of you sufficient strength and be comforted by the prayers, thoughts, expressions and love that surrounds you.
ECCLESIASTES 3:1 / Alma &. Nicola Williams- Storr (Cousin)Read >>
ECCLESIASTES 3:1 / Alma &. Nicola Williams- Storr (Cousin) To every thing these a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.........
May you remember always that, for every sorrows, there a comforter..... for every sadness, there is healing...... for every loss-- the promise of a NEW LIFE.
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES / ERICA CARROLL (BANKER)Read >>
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES / ERICA CARROLL (BANKER)
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO KEEP AND BLESS THE WILLIAMS FAMILY WHILE YOU GO THROUGH THIS YOUR HOUR OF BEREAVEMENT. I PRAY WITH AND FOR YOU THAT ALL YOUR SORROW AND TEARS WILL BE WIPED AWAY BY GODS LOVING HANDS AND HE WILL COMFORT AND KEEP YOU THIS DAY AND ALWAYS AMEN. Close
WITH HEARTFELT SYMPATHY / Barbara Levarity (none)
Our condolences to the Williams family but especailly to Mr. Jamaal Williams our lecturer at Success Training College.
May God be with you during your time of bereavement.
From, Liliz Zonicle & Barbara Levarity ****** Close
Great Father and Community Builder / Bridgette Francis (Palm Beach Atlantic Bahamas Alumni Chapter )Read >>
Great Father and Community Builder / Bridgette Francis (Palm Beach Atlantic Bahamas Alumni Chapter )
On behalf of the Palm Beach Atlantic Bahamas Alumni Chapter, I extend prayers to Mrs. Millicent Williams, Jamal Williams'98, Tanya Smith-Williams'98, and the entire Williams Family. Since I met Jamal over 12 years ago, I have admired the respect that Jamal has shown for his father's talents. May the soul of Mr. James Carter Williams rest in peace.
True Warrior / Sandy Morley (Family Friend )
Mr. Williams, my fondest memories of you is sitting and listening as you talk about your struggles on the road to success. I will forever be greatful for the advice and consul you would have given over the years. Sir, you were a man of strenght, courage, dedication, committment and vision with a heart of gold. You would forever be a role model to me. R.I.P until we meet again. Close
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. / Gwen &. Andy Adderley (In-laws)Read >>
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. / Gwen &. Andy Adderley (In-laws)
Our condolences To Millie and Children. May your pain and sorrow be replaced with the joyfilled memories you would have shared with your loved one. Remember, there is no sadness that Jesus cannot feel and no sorrow that He cannot heal.
So go ahead grieve if your heart is heavy for there is a glad assurance, joy does come in the morning.
You were a daddy for all seasons / Jamal Williams (son)Read >>
You were a daddy for all seasons / Jamal Williams (son)
As I prepared this site, I thought of all the joyful times we shared especially during those last moments. You shared advice, you wished me success and you prayed for the day to see me called to the bar.
I realize that nothing is in our time but in God's times, he saw it fit to take you to your home of rest. I am certain you are in a better place now, no more pain and suffering, for God only takes the best.
Daddy, I know deep down you are proud of all your children, you are gone but your legacy will live on with us. I know one day I will see you and we shall rejoice again when Christ shall shout " Well done thou good and faithful servant". Rest on Daddy, we love you and miss you. I am certain God will sustain us.
Tributes and Condolences
Add to favorites 
