Alonzo Williams Jr., first Black Apopka city commissioner, died at age 85

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Alonzo Williams Jr., the first African American Apopka city commissioner, died yesterday, Tuesday, January 9, in Albany, Georgia. He was 85.

In 1970, Williams was elected Apopka city commissioner and served for 24 consecutive years until 1994. Williams was also businessman who owned two restaurants in the Apopka area.

The park at M A Board street and Hawthorne, Alonzo Williams Park, was named in his honor.

Alonzo Williams Jr.’s family released a statement on his Facebook page.

It is with sadness and joy that I share with you the loss of my dad Alonzo Williams Jr. who transitioned on January 9. I’m asking that my Facebook family and friends lift his wife Betty, his brother Robert Williams, and myself up in love and light. The joy comes knowing that he is no longer suffering with the physical pains and issues of life and has now entered into the Masters care. I take joy in knowing that for the past two and half years I was able to take care of him. There were good times and bad times, but as the song goes, “I Won’t Complain!” Dad, you will be missed!

Rest in eternal peace.

This is a developing story.

The Apopka Chief and The Planter are weekly community newspapers, independently owned and family operated, that have served the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923 and 1965 respectively.

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