Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: Retired Daytona Beach Police Officer Markeith Williams, who died on March 29, 2025, is shown on his assigned Daytona Beach police motorcycle. He was 57 years old. BELOW: Markeith Williams photo with obituary.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- It is with deep sadness that the Daytona Beach Police Department announces the March 29, 2025, passing of retired Daytona Beach Police Officer Markeith Williams.
Markeith Williams, 57, began his dedicated service to the community on Jan. 7, 1991. Over the course of his career, he served in several key areas of the department, including Patrol, the Special Response Strike Force, Criminal Investigations – Special Investigations, and the Traffic Unit.
He retired on Oct. 29, 2002, after more than a decade of honorable service to the Daytona Beach police force.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him," DBPD said in announcing the passing of Markeith Williams earlier this month in a social media post with a photo of him on his assigned police motorcycle. . "Markeith will be remembered for his commitment to the safety and well-being of the Daytona Beach community."
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him," DBPD said in announcing the passing of Markeith Williams earlier this month in a social media post with a photo of him on his assigned police motorcycle. "Markeith will be remembered for his commitment to the safety and well-being of the Daytona Beach community."
Obituary: Markeith Williams
Markeith Williams passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, with his mother by his side.
Markeith was born in Bronx, New York, on Dec. 3, 1967, to the late Ernest James Williams and Geneva Ann Gaines-Williams. He was raised in Daytona Beach and attended Westside Elementary, Campbell Jr. High, and graduated from Mainland High School in 1986. He attended the Police Academy at Daytona Beach Community College, where he received his Law Enforcement Certificate. In 2010, he received his AA degree from Seminole State College.
Markeith began his dedicated service at the Daytona Beach Police Department on January 7, 1991. Over the course of his career, he served in several key areas of the department, including Patrol, the Special Response Strike Force, Criminal Investigations – Special Investigations, and the Traffic Unit. Markeith was injured in the line of duty and retired from the DBPD on October 29, 2002, after serving more than a decade with honor.
He then began working at Lyman High School as a paraprofessional, the girls' weightlifting coach, and the head coach of the water polo team. After Lyman, he worked security at Lake Brantley High School before later taking on both roles as the head coach of the Wekiva swim and water polo teams. His passion for water polo and the kids he coached led him to establish the Hounds Water Polo Club, which was created to perfect skills and build a community of camaraderie between Lyman and Wekiva players during the summer. He was very passionate about coaching and mentoring. Markeith was also the owner of Courtyard Films, which produced videos and films in the Daytona Beach and Orlando areas.
Mr. Williams was an avid traveler and enjoyed destinations like London, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Croatia, Morocco, and visiting Costa Rica at least 30 times. He loved spending time with his kids, Markell and Mayah, at their weekly dinners at various sports bars and restaurants, going to the gym, and watching movies (where he often fell asleep); he also actively attended their competitions, games, and activities.
Additionally, he never hesitated to support his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed spending time with his mom, dad, brother Craig, sister Beverly, nephews Donta and Anthony (also known as AJ), and niece Brianna (Bri) at the family farm in Williston. He attended to the animals, helped with farm upkeep, and assisted with many other projects before ending the day with family bonfire nights, making s'mores, sharing jokes, and enjoying the food. He was truly a family man and believed in making many memories, and of course, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Markeith Williams was preceded in death by his father, Ernest James Williams, and his brother, Ernest “Ernie” Williams. Markeith is survived by his two children, Markell and Mayah Williams; his mother, Geneva Ann Gaines-Williams; his sisters, Daryl L. Williams-Dotson and Beverly Williams-Gadson; his brother, Craig A. Williams (Kristi Sanders); and a host of nephews, nieces (including great-nieces), other close relatives, and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service was held on April 12, 2025, at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 539 George Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL. Rev. William Robinson was the pastor. Interment was at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Williston, Florida.
Editor's Note: Services were entrusted to Herbert Thompson Funeral Home, 901 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114. Online at https://www.hthompsonfunerals.com/.
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