Tyrone Williams, age 70 of Anderson Township, died on March 11, 2024. He was the first child and only son of the Late Eddie and Callie Williams. He was a quiet, reserved, and thoughtful son, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor. Tyrone was born at Metropolitan Hospital in Detroit, Michigan on February 24, 1954. He attended Crosman and Roosevelt Elementary, Durfee Junior High and Central High Schools. Tyrone completed his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in English at Wayne State University.
In 1983, he began teaching English at Xavier University, leaving Xavier to go back to Wayne State and complete his doctorate, and then returning to Xavier, achieving the rank of Professor. His first chapbook of poetry was published in 1987.
From 2000-2006, he served as Chair of the Xavier English Department. During his long career, he taught a wide variety of courses, specializing in African-American Literature, Modern American Literature, Literary Theory, and Creative Writing.
In 2023, he retired from Xavier and became the David Gray Chair of Poetry and Letters in the English Department of the University of Buffalo, one of the most prestigious academic positions in poetry in the country.
Tyrone is the author of eight full-length volumes of poetry, and numerous critical articles and reviews. He traveled extensively, giving poetry readings at venues across the country, as well as important critical papers at many academic conferences. An important figure in the poetry community, judging prizes and editing various publications, he was beloved and admired by his contemporaries, and a mentor to many younger poets. For more information, visit his website at https://www.flummoxedpoet.com/
Tyrone was also a founding member of the Winton Community Free Methodist Church since 1986, after joining their Bible study in 1983. He filled many roles including delegate and pulpit supply. His favorite memory of church was teaching Vacation Bible School.
Tyrone was preceded in death by his loving wife Elizabeth Ann (Liz) Hamilton and parents Eddie and Callie Marshall Williams. He leaves behind sisters Jacqueline Brooks, Wanda Willliams-Gee, and Andrea Martin (Darryl) as well as five nieces and nephews Damon Williams, Shaticka Brooks, Jordan Gee, Chelsea Martin, and Camryn Gee and three great-nephews Damani Pruitt, Larone Mills, and Jayce Sparks.
A memorial service will be held on March 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Winton Community Free Methodist Church at 700 East Epworth, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, followed by a repast. Memorials may be made to the Winton Community Free Methodist Church for both their community ministry work as well as a prize in his name for emerging poets. Checks can be mailed to 722 McMakin Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, or PayPal Donate to Winton Community Free Methodist Church. https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=F3FEWUAU3YWRQ
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Tyrone Williams, please visit our flower store.
In 1983, he began teaching English at Xavier University, leaving Xavier to go back to Wayne State and complete his doctorate, and then returning to Xavier, achieving the rank of Professor. His first chapbook of poetry was published in 1987.
From 2000-2006, he served as Chair of the Xavier English Department. During his long career, he taught a wide variety of courses, specializing in African-American Literature, Modern American Literature, Literary Theory, and Creative Writing.
In 2023, he retired from Xavier and became the David Gray Chair of Poetry and Letters in the English Department of the University of Buffalo, one of the most prestigious academic positions in poetry in the country.
Tyrone is the author of eight full-length volumes of poetry, and numerous critical articles and reviews. He traveled extensively, giving poetry readings at venues across the country, as well as important critical papers at many academic conferences. An important figure in the poetry community, judging prizes and editing various publications, he was beloved and admired by his contemporaries, and a mentor to many younger poets. For more information, visit his website at https://www.flummoxedpoet.com/
Tyrone was also a founding member of the Winton Community Free Methodist Church since 1986, after joining their Bible study in 1983. He filled many roles including delegate and pulpit supply. His favorite memory of church was teaching Vacation Bible School.
Tyrone was preceded in death by his loving wife Elizabeth Ann (Liz) Hamilton and parents Eddie and Callie Marshall Williams. He leaves behind sisters Jacqueline Brooks, Wanda Willliams-Gee, and Andrea Martin (Darryl) as well as five nieces and nephews Damon Williams, Shaticka Brooks, Jordan Gee, Chelsea Martin, and Camryn Gee and three great-nephews Damani Pruitt, Larone Mills, and Jayce Sparks.
A memorial service will be held on March 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Winton Community Free Methodist Church at 700 East Epworth, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, followed by a repast. Memorials may be made to the Winton Community Free Methodist Church for both their community ministry work as well as a prize in his name for emerging poets. Checks can be mailed to 722 McMakin Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, or PayPal Donate to Winton Community Free Methodist Church. https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=F3FEWUAU3YWRQ
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