Life Member. Drums
5/16/1912 – 2/20/2015

by the Williams family

Gabriel Williams was the youngest of four children born to Benjamin and Mamie Williams (siblings: Edina, Faye, and Benjamin Jr.). This date, May 16, 1912 was earmarked as a “great event” in the Williams’ household. He was a warm and considerate child, and grew into a kind, hardworking adult.

Gabriel lived his entire adult life, over 75 years, in the Los Angeles area. Taking on odd jobs, performing at night, and succeeding in completing junior college at age 55, he retired from the Los Angeles School Board, going on to play percussion professionally. A Lifetime Member of Local 47 musicians union, and a permanent band member with Sony’s Dixieland band in Culver City. He performed locally with his group, the Change Over’s. It is while he was appearaing with this group that he was approached by an agent asking if he might be interested in doing movies.

Gabe made his motion picture debut in “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps” starring Eddie Murphy and Janet Jackson, followed by “Mr. Deeds” with Adam Sandler. He also made several key appearances on “Mad TV” as Snoop Doggy Dogg. He also performed as a dying peasant with Mother Theresa. He also made video appearances featuring Jay-Z in “Hay Papi” and a Super Bowl commercial, “The Feel of Cotton.”

Professionally playing with Freddy Beechem, Louis Armstrong, Earl Hines, Red Saunders, Truck Parham, Jimmy Lunceford, Billy Eckstein, Nat King Cole, Percy Mayfield, Roy Milton, Gideon Honore, Roy Milton, and Roy Eldridge, to name a few.

Gabriel earned and received the 33rd degree (as the Illustrious Potentate) from the Masonic Order (Santa Monica Chapter), serving that position for one year.

Gabriel had two children, Gabriel Jr. (who preceded him in death), and a daughter, Letitia Ann, his constant friend and companion. He leaves to continue his legacy four grandchildren, 15 great-grands, and nine great-great grands; 47 great-nieces and –nephews, 16 great-great-nieces and –nephews, and loyal cousins and friends.