Preston B. Williams

Preston Benjamin Williams, affectionately known as the "Fresh Prince of Albany,"was born on July 13, 1991, in Jamaica, Queens, the only child to Denise and Kingsley Williams. On October 6th 2024, after 33 short but impactful years, Preston passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved father, devoted son and cherished friend.

Preston’s early years were spent in Queens, New York, before his family relocated to Albany. From a young age, Preston had a deep passion for Christ, public speaking and creating community and performance. These attributes and his vibrant personality made him standout in both his school and church communities. In elementary school, he would minister with his grandmother, boldly asking people if they knew and loved Jesus. It was during his time at Albany High where his leadership skills truly began to flourish. There, he joined the Theater Ensemble and graced the stage in many productions including “Cabaret”, “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Allison.” He also founded the fraternity “TH3ta Gamma Xi” (pronounced Theta Gamma Xi), which became a testament to his dedication to Christ and his love for bringing people together. His unwavering dedication to his community, during and after high school, eventually earned him a Proclamation from the Mayor of Albany.

Determined to pursue his dream, of acting, Preston moved to Orlando, Florida, to attend Full Sail University, where he met his wife, Nana. Even as he ventured to new places, Preston remained deeply connected to his Albany roots. He expanded HYP3 Next Level Entertainment, a lifestyle company started in Albany, to Orlando, bridging two communities he held dear. On September 26th, 2014, Preston and Nana welcomed their daughter, Leilani, who was the light of his life and his greatest joy.

To support his family, Preston auditioned for Walt Disney World, where he worked as an Entertainment Cast Member from 2015 to 2020. He brought joy and magic to this role, creating thousands of magical moments for countless families from all over the world. His talents as an actor also shone through in performances at Universal Orlando Resort.

In 2016, Preston faced the unimaginable when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He fought this diagnosis with grace and humility. While undergoing various treatments he continued to bring joy, happiness and God into everything that he did. In 2022, he moved back to Albany to be closer to family and immediately reconnected with his community taking on a mentoring role at the Boys and Girls Club.

In 2024, Preston learned that the cancer had reached a terminal stage and after a fierce 8 year battle, Preston transitioned on Sunday October 6th surrounded by a number of family and friends.

Preston is preceded by grandfathers Ovid and Willis; great-aunts, Jo, Mavis, Dorothy, Monica; great-uncle Thomas; aunt, Sharon and grandmother in law; Fumiko.

Preston leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Leilani; his parents, Denise and Kingsley; his wife, Nana; mother-in-law, Yumiko; his grandmothers, Grace and Phyllis; his grandfather, Luther; his great-grandmother, Elma; his great aunts, Patsy and Faith; his great aunt in-law, Toshiko; his aunts, Francine, Audrey, Rhonda, Sandra, Vashti, Grace, Joan, Marcella and Hiroko; his great-uncles, Melvin, Micheal, John (Billy) and Lawrence, his uncles, Anthony, Andrew, Bruce, Shurland, Christopher, Elvis and Rob; his siblings (first cousins); Leotha, Jasmyn, Austyn, Aaron, Allia, Hiroko and Taiki and his best friends Althia, Naieem, Charlie, Brian and Tyrone and a number of other cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, close friends, mentees and acquaintances.

Although he is no longer with us physically the indelible impact he had on all who knew him will remain. May his soul rest in peace.