Michael Williams

Michael Earl Williams, April 12, 1983 to May 12, 2024

AKA: Mike, Mikey, MicDub, Son, Brother, Father, Uncle, Friend

Son of Linda Sue Ayers and Jeff Williams, Grandson of Molly and Earl Ayers and Evelyn and Harry M. Finch, Brother to Matthew (Tonya) Williams, Father to Rain and Kaya Williams, Uncle to Taylor, Josie, and Tucker Williams. 

There will be a Celebration of Life on July 3, 2024. Details will be posted on the “The Running” Facebook page.

Mike passed on to his eternal home with God peacefully at his mom’s house on the evening of May 12, 2024, Mother’s Day, from complications due to his battle with lung cancer. Mike had just turned 41 years of age. He was an extremely talented musician with guitar, keyboard, writing, and singing. He helped organize the bands called “The Running” and “Shuckster.” Mike was known for his amazing style and way of stage presentation. While whipping it up on stage, he was also known for his quiet demeanor in everything else he did. He was a bit of an introvert, but always a great friend to those who knew him well. Band members Andy and Christ were with him for many years and the legacy of music that they gave us was unique. Christ said that the three of them gelled immediately and that Mike was a master at reggae, rock, rap, blues, and classical guitar, always seeking to be different from the ordinary. Also performing with his brother, Matt, they worked together to create songs and styles that were proof of their love of music. His friend Derek said that, in addition to musical talent, God’s gift to Mike was his “way of connecting with people . . . everybody loved him.” For several years Mike worked with Matt as land surveyors. Mike was a truly good soul with a kind heart as a loving son, brother, father, uncle, and friend. He was compassionate to animals and cared for all living things, loving and caring for his pets throughout his life. His children, Rain and Kaya, considered him to be as much a friend as a father. His children meant all the world to him. Giving them his complete and total love, he always tried to show them how to live in peace, be strong in adversities, and always “leave it better than you found it.”

Mike graduated from Tennessee State University in May 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Classical Music and Liberal Arts. He worked as a landscaper with Lee Rolfes Landscaping and Organic Matters from 2008 to 2019. He began working alongside his brother, Matt, as a land surveyor in 2019 until his illness in February 2024. As a Guitarist, Vocalist, and Songwriter he continually perfected his art throughout his life. From 2006 to 2013 he self-released two albums, composed music and wrote lyrics for all songs, and played more than 1,000 shows in the regional southeast, Virgin Islands, and New York City. “The Running” band had a unique following and was particularly popular with their performances at places like Tidball’s in Bowling Green and in the local Nashville community. 

Mike was a fine young man, one of a kind, and will be sadly missed by all those who love him. Heaven’s got a good one and now there is more music for the angels in his new celestial home. Rest In Peace our special boy and watch over us from a place where there is no more pain. We love you!