William Small

Funeral Service will be livestreamed (visitation will not be streamed)

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William Small. 

William Small Obituary March 2024 

William Augustus Small was born on January 27^th,1943 in Panama City, Panama to Grace and Stanley Small.  Bill went on to meet the Lord early morning of February 27^th, 2024.  Bill recently celebrated his 81^st birthday the month prior, with him planning the event to include all of his favorite things.

A kind man who showed joy throughout his journey in life, Bill was not one to dwell on the challenges life may have shown him through the years.  A testament to God’s desire for him to live long with his purpose of kindness to others was seen in his earliest years.  At the age of six, Bill had a brain tumor that was removed in Panama.   The doctors told the family that he may survive six months.  God had different plans and gave Bill 75 more years.

Bill was raised in Panama with his siblings, Esperanza, Veronica, Sheila and Sandra.  The family lived in Santa Cruz, Gamboa and Panama Canal Zone prior to immigrating to the United States.  He graduated from Paraiso High School in Panama Canal Zone in 1964.   His favorite subject was Math.  In his yearbook, he shared an ambition to leave the country and continue his education.  This dream would be realized when the family relocated to the Bronx, NY.

In the Bronx, Bill would begin his community impact via senior centers.  An avid card player and true “Domino King” he would influence generations of the family with skills honed through these community centers.  A gifted artist, Bill often drew pictures of superheroes and cowboys inspired by his favorite comic books.  Superman was his favorite superhero.  Fearless in his expression of music, he would dance and sing a-long with favorites from the 50’s to now, including Motown, Elvis, Might Sparrow and DooWop music.  

While the family believed they cared for him due to his physical limitations, Bill was really a caregiver across the generations.  He showed acts of love through his consistent reach out via texts.  He always gave tailored recommendations of tv shows, films and comedy acts that were a must watch now.

A man of faith, Bill was baptized and member of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ.  At the church, he was an active member of the Senior Fellowship and a previous member of the Senior Choir.  He was also an active member of the Parkside Seniors community at the same time.  He continued to travel with both senior groups taking local trips and cruises.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Grace Small, his sisters Betty Jane and Reverend Sheila Gipson.  He will meet again in Heaven his brothers-in-law, Gerald Hayes, Sr. and Ernest Ovad.

Left to honor his memory are his three sisters, Veronica Clarke, Esperanza Ovad, Sandra Hayes, his brother-in-law, Rev David Gipson and many cousins, nieces, nephews and loved ones.

Psalm 75:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”