Williams Atkinson was born June 30th, 1943 to Sarah Francis Atkinson and William Butler, whom both preceded him in death. He attended Cleveland Public Schools and later joined the military where he earned an honorable discharge. William married Marjorie Malcom, and after a time their union ended, after which he married Janice Sires, of which that union also eventually ended.
William had four daughters; Valerie Atkinson who preceded him in death, Michelle Vaughn, Marjorie Yvette Vaughn and Jamie Taylor. He also leaves to cherish his memory four sisters; Margie Woods, Mable Love, Darnella Price and Wanda Faye Butler, brother; William Butler Jr., niece; Kimberly Williams, great nephew; Robert Williams, great nieces; Sharonda Williams and Monya Hall-Smith, and a host of other nieces, nephews, family members and friends who each love him dearly.