By Staff
ATMORE - Mr. William America Sr., 77, of Atmore passed away Saturday, April 3, 2010 at his residence surrounded by family and friends.
Mr. America was a native of Camden. He was born on Feb. 28, 1933 to the parents of the late Richard America Sr. and Lillian America Golden. In 1945, his parents moved to Atmore. At a young age he was united with Mt. Olive Baptist Church and was a member of the choir. Later, he formed a quartet in which he was the lead singer for many years. At the age of fifteen, he met Pauline Powers and in tow years they were united in holy matrimony, on Feb. 17, 1951. From this union they bore and raised six children. He was a member of Greater Mt. Triumph Baptist Church where he served as deacon, choir member and many positions in the Church. Later he joined the McCullough Christian Center, where he sang in the choir. He retired from Monsanto, in 1992. Mr. America became the first black County Commissioner of Escambia County.
He served eight years as County Commissioner. He was chairman of the Board of commissioners of Escambia County for four years. On June 17, 1999 he was awarded a plaque for his loyal service support to South Alabama Regional Planning Commission. Mr. America received countless awards and plaques for his community service. He was instrumental and faithful in providing leadership in several community organizations such as president and founder of the United Civic Club, President of the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC) Escambia County Branch, member of the NAACP, served on the Hospital Board, member of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Progressive Civic and Recreational Club (PCRC), manager and owner of America’s Superfood store, and served on the United Bank Board of Directors.
Mr. America, also served as a community broadcaster for 105.9 Gospel Radio, for many years. Mr. America’s service was outstanding. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was a loving father, spouse, friend and community leader.
His father, Richard America Sr.; one devoted son, Elder Tommy America and one brother, Richard America Jr., preceded him in death.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving caregiver and devoted wife for 59 years, Pauline Powers America; his five devoted children, Shirley Jean Williams, Cynthia Paulette (Alton) Williams, William America Jr., James (Lesa) America and Ellen (Manuel) Valenzuela; one daughter-in-law, Elder Audrey America; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; his mother, Lillian America Golden; two brothers, Henry (Georgia) America and Sammie (Francina) America; five sisters, Maggie (R.C.) McMillan, Alice Sanders, Delores (Wade) Brown, Varnell (Anthony) Ward and Fonda L. Poellnitz; five sister in laws, Rutelia America, Amelia Brooks, Ada Lee Powers, Bessie Powers, Flora Powers; two aunts; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the entire McCullough Christian church family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the McCullough Christian Center. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, April 9, 2010. Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Christian Memorial Funeral Home.
Christian Memorial Funeral Home will be directing services.