July 29, 1941 – August 26, 2006
David Lawrence Williams was born in St. Louis on July 29, 1941 to the union of Clyde Williams and Edith Dorsey Williams, both of whom preceded him in death. His oldest sister, Charlotte Williams Pratt, also preceded him in death.
David received his formal education at St. Nicholas Elementary School in St. Louis. He graduated from DeAndreis Catholic High School and went on to receive a Bachelors of Science degree in Education from Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College in Kirksville. While studying at Northeast, David helped to establish the Epsilon Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and served as the chapter’s first president.
In 1965, Uncle Sam called and David was drafted into the U.S. Army. He spent six months training at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX before being assigned to the 24th General Dispensary in Giessen, West Germany, where he worked as a Pharmacy Specialist and Medic for 17 months. He was honorably discharged from military service in 1967.
While serving in the military, David married Sylnice Cassandra Smith, the mother of his three daughters. David was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and professed the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior. He re-affirmed his commitment to Christ later in life.
David found his true calling in entrepreneurship. He co-founded a record wholesale/distribution company on Page Avenue and shortly thereafter opened Black Circle Records, eventually expand it to four locations. David also produced Black Circle Hour, a local television dance show, which aired on channel 30. During the 1970s and early 1980s, Dave’s Sales and Promotions helped to bring some of the music industry’s most popular performing artists to St. Louis. Along the way, Black Circle Records would become Sound Town, located at the corner of Newstead and Natural Bridge for many years until David moved all of his operations to Cass Avenue near downtown.
In the early 1990s, David suffered a stroke which left him challenged physically. But, he never lost his wit, charm or his spirit. David left this earth peacefully on August 26, 2006 at DePaul Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
He leaves to cherish his memory: three daughters; Lauren Drummond (Maurice) Nikki Sebastian (Viju) and Deidre Griffith (Clint), and one son, Reginal Polk. Three sisters: Joan Williams, Jean Murphy (Charles) and Mary Ann McIntyre. Five grandchildren: Christian, Naomi, Melanie, Mallory and David. Two nephews: Eric Vincent Williams (Melanie) and Khalis Murphy of Baton Rouge, LA and three nieces; Nicole Jenkins, Leslie Ann McIntyre of Baton Rouge, LA and Jessica Lynn Williams; one uncle, Lawrence P. Dorsey of Brooklyn, NY and one aunt, Rosemarie (Lady Girl) Horace of St. Louis and a host of cousins and friends.
Arrangements are as follows: Viewing – Austin Layne Mortuary, West Florissant Ave., Thurs. August 31, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Funeral – All Saints Catholic Church, 6403 Clemens Av., U-City, Fri. September 1, 9:30 a.m.