Michael Demetrius "Big D" Williams

Wednesday, February 21, 1968 - Monday, July 6, 2026

Deeply Missed

Photo of Michael Demetrius "Big D" Williams - 1968-2026

 We honor and celebrate the life of Michael Demetrius "Big D" Williams, age 58, who passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026. He was a man whose talent, creativity,  and larger-than-life personality left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

 He was born in Haywood County on June 21, 1968, to the late Clifford Williams and the late Edith Marybelle Fincher Williams. He graduated from Pisgah High School before pursuing his passion for music at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where he earned a degree in Sound Engineering.  He was also classically trained in guitar, a skill that reflected both his dedication to his craft and his deep love for music. Big D's musical journey took him to Florida, where he toured with several bands, sharing his talent with audiences far and wide. Eventually, the mountains called him home to Western North Carolina, continuing to do what he loved most- making music, and Michael poured his heart into every note. He had also been employed by Champion  International / Evergreen, the paper mill located in Canton, for 22 dedicated years, where he made many friendships that have remained a part of his life. Michael "Big D" was also a gifted artist whose drawings and beautiful sketches reflected another talent and passion that he was blessed with.

A strong-willed man, he had his own opinion on any subject and stood firmly by what he believed. "Big D" leaves behind a legacy of music, art, laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, "Big D". Your music and memory will live on forever.     

Surviving are his brother, Danny Williams of Florida; his lifelong best friend Scott Pless, of Canton, whom " Big D" loved just like a brother-always; and also a multitude of other friends.                       

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in the Fellowship Hall at Center Pigeon Baptist Church. Reverend Shane Baker will be officiating. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service in the fellowship hall. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Williams family.

 

Condolences from family and friends

Michael was a friend, neighbor, caretaker of his Mom, lover of pound cake, musician, and did not mind when I teased him about his cute cheeks. Michael shared his faith with me and he believed whole-heartedly in his Redeemer. He struggled with his pain and loneliness. Demetrius is safe and whole and held lovingly by The One with the Nail Scarred Hands. Peace to him and love to all the family.
Sherry Bumgarner Saams
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Michael was a good one and will definitely be missed by so many. I am sorry for your loss RIP my old friend..
Charlie Pitts
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026
My condolences to whatever family Michael had left. We were childhood friends.
David Mason
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026
This one hits hard... I will miss my friends wit and wisdom. Michael was one of the smartest and most gifted people I've ever been around. We would spend hours discussing the world and our place in it... He loved his Mother, valued a loyal friend and a well made guitar. For so many years, pain was his constant companion. He faced it with faith and toughness. RIP my friend...
Tracy O'Neil
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Gonna miss you Micheal you were one of a kind! One of the few people I could talk about Jesus to and rock out pantera. I know your mom welcomed you to heaven. Rip brother!
Jeremiah mckinney
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Im so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with the family. I knew Michael from school and we rode the school bus together. He was a good friend.
Angela H. Buckner
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Memories of jamming the four of us. It was called 'Wingspan", (Michael, Tim,.Scott and me) we always had a blast. We all went our separate ways but Michael and I still tried to stay in contact after all these years. I know he is up in Heaven with his mom making his music. RIP my brother/friend, Michael you will be missed.
Mark "Opie "Williams
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026
He was one of my cousins that was so gifted with the musical talent. It is hard for a person to see him leave so early in life. He will be missed.
mitzi lanning
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026
I had the honor to meet Michael through his brother Danny and his wife Kim who is my sister. When Michael was down in Florida, he had his band Crystal Tears. I was a big fan and helped them with booking some gigs here and there because I worked in the bar and club business. I can honestly say that I never met a more talented and humble musician than Michael and the rest of the band. Their music and songs spoke for themselves. Although I had not seen Michael in many years after he moved back home, I know that he remained a humble and loving man. He and his momma were inseparable. And I hold much respect for him for that. The greatest thing is that everyone will forever remember Michael, his music, his love for his mother, and all of the great memories we each have of the time we spent with him. Rest in Peace my friend.
Mark Gangwer
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026
My Uncle Michael. I can picture him now, walking into heaven exactly as himself: wearing his favorite leather jacket, blue jeans, boots, and mirrored aviator sunglasses, carrying a sketchbook in one hand and his baby blue Kramer in the other. Michael was a true legend. He was a gifted musician, a talented artist, a great storyteller, and a jokester who knew how to make people laugh. He had a way of bringing music, creativity, and joy into every room he entered. He inspired me, my siblings, and my cousins to love music and art the way he did. He helped foster that same love not only in our family, but in his community as well. He encouraged others to create, to play, to laugh, and to be themselves. He was a great friend, a one-of-a-kind soul, and someone whose stories, songs, laughter, and spirit will live on through all of us. Rest easy, Uncle Michael. Heaven just got a little louder, a little cooler, and a lot more legendary.
Danielle Williams
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Great musician,played alot of music with Mike and his big leather coat
Ron Thomason
posted Tuesday, July 7, 2026