Anthony was born Anthony James Williams (affectionately known as A.J) on Jan. 31, 1985, to Regina Williams and Don Wesley Lemelle in Lake Charles, La.
Throughout his life, A.J never met a stranger. He was a very social being who loved being surrounded by family and friends. As a child, he was an active member of little league baseball, and enjoyed attending summer programs at the YMCA. There he learned to swim, along with an array of other activities. In his teens he was a football player for LaGrange High school and a Graduate of Parkview in 2003. He also attended Sowela Technical Community College majoring in computer science, as well as ITT Technical Institute of Houston, Texas.
During A.J’s early teens he discovered his niche for culinary. Having very little knowledge about the art of cooking, A.J was determined to become a chef, and decided he would teach himself. He practiced his craft in the kitchen without ceasing. By the time of his adult years, AJ had mastered the art of cooking and was able to share his talents in Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Houston areas by working at various restaurants throughout the years.
In 2015 he was blessed with his first and only child, Denham James Williams. He was thrilled to be a father. Their favorite activities to do together were roasting marsh mellows over an open fire, barbecuing, and fishing.
Anthony leaves his son, Denham to cherish his memories, along with his mother, Regina Williams Hanks; his maternal grandmother, Sylvia Thomas; aunt Leslie (Jeremiah) Montgomery; great aunt Laurence (Lionel) Darbonne; his paternal grandmother, Alice Lemelle; uncles Ronnie (Vanessa) Lemelle, and James (Cheryl) Lemelle; siblings, Ashley Williams, Jennifer Sims, Joshua Carter, Justin Berard, Jawanna Berard, and Christian Lemelle, as well as a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Don Wesley Lemelle; brother, Don Berard; maternal grandfather, Robert Lee Williams Sr.; paternal grandfather, Paul Lemelle; aunt, Jacquelynn Williams; uncle, Robert Lee Williams Jr.; and maternal great-grandmother, Jennie Lyons. Although AJ is no longer with us in physical form, (In the words of his son Denham) he will forever remain at the top of our hearts.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 9 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. at King’s Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of King’s Funeral Home.