Anthony David Williams, known affectionately as “Topp,” was a devoted father, a knowledgeable and engaging conversationalist, and a die-hard New York sports fan who had made a new life for himself in North Carolina. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 22, 1978, the 48-year-old male was remembered as a cool, laid-back, humble, and generous man who was considered family by many in his adopted hometown of Windsor.
His life was tragically cut short on Monday, September 21, 2026, when he was killed in an act of gun violence in Windsor.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Anthony was an active and charismatic child. He attended PS 306 Elementary, Gershwin Junior High, and Jefferson High School. He was a talented performer, known for his Michael Jackson impersonations and a standing-ovation-worthy portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a school play. He played baseball for the Brooklyn Latin Souls and enjoyed popular New York street games like "Skelly" and "Handball." As an adult, he furthered his education by earning his GED and certifications in Hydroponics and Electrical Apprenticeship. He was an avid reader, well-versed in current events, politics, science, and history. He also enjoyed going to the gym, playing Xbox, and watching classic TV shows like “The Honeymooners” with his mother, Robin Williams.
In the early 2000s, Anthony relocated to Windsor, North Carolina, where his easygoing nature and friendly greetings of "What up son" and "yo son" quickly endeared him to the community. He was a passionate fan of the New York Giants and the New York Knicks, a loyalty he carried with him from his Brooklyn roots. Above all his other interests and passions, nothing brought Anthony more joy than being a “Girl’s Dad.” He shared a unique and special bond with each of his three daughters: An’Tayia Williams, whom he considered his best friend; D’Coya Jordan, his “cornball;” and Ari’onna Marie, the baby of the family.
The specific circumstances of the shooting that claimed Anthony’s life on September 21, 2026, have not been detailed in public reports. The investigation into his death was handled by law enforcement in Bertie County. Information regarding the exact time and location of the incident, what led to the violence, or any potential suspects has not been made widely available. The case left a void in a community that had come to embrace him as one of its own and left his family grappling with a sudden and violent loss.
Anthony was a beloved son, brother, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his father, Terry Bellamy, and his grandparents. He left behind to cherish his memory his three daughters; a grandson, Na’Sai Williams; his mother, Robin Williams; a sister, Marrion Pressley; a brother, Terry “Monk” Brown; a nephew, Jaleel Mackey; an aunt, Dorothy Peele; and two close cousins who were like brothers to him, Trent "Beef" Bellamy and Eric Bellamy. His family remembered him as “one of a kind” and “the last real one of a dying breed.”
In their acknowledgments, Anthony's family extended their gratitude for the acts of kindness shown to them during their time of bereavement. His daughters offered a special thank you to their mother, Iyona, for being their rock throughout the ordeal. A celebration of Anthony's life was held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Walker Funeral Home in Windsor, where friends and family gathered to honor the man they knew and loved. The investigation into Anthony Williams' homicide remains under the jurisdiction of authorities in Bertie County. The current status of the case is not publicly known.
