William Livingston, Jr., age 87, of Ocean City, New Jersey, and Brandywine, Maryland, transitioned peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025. He was born on February 23, 1938, in the Penderboro Community of Marion County, South Carolina, to the late William Livingston, Sr. and Louise Foxworth Livingston.
His formative years were spent in the Penderboro Community and at St. John A.M.E. Church, where the values of faith, discipline, and hard work were instilled in him early on. After graduating from Marion County Training School in 1959, he lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Buffalo, New York, before relocating to Ocean City, New Jersey, along with many families from Marion, South Carolina, in search of employment opportunities.
Throughout his life, Junior demonstrated a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility. Whether working on the family farm, cooking at Prudential Insurance or Bob’s Grill, running a catering business with Mr. Homer Baker, fixing cars, operating a grass-cutting business, or collecting tolls at the Cape May County Bridge Commission, Junior took pride in honest work. He later retired from the Bridge Commission in the late 1990s after many years of dedicated service.
Affectionately known as “Bill,” “Crook,” “Daddy-O,” “Father,” “J.R.,” “Junior,” “Mr. Junior,” “Pops,” “Pop Pop,” or “Willie,” he married Anna L. Edwards on July 13, 1974. A devoted family man, his life was defined by strength, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. Known for his quiet wisdom, generosity, and steady presence, Junior touched countless lives through his words, actions, and example.
He was deeply committed to providing for his family, enjoyed driving his many “clean” cars, and lived by the values of perseverance, respect, and “cutting the fool.” Above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends and remained closely connected to the communities he called home—especially the 2nd & Haven Avenue Crew.
Through the years, he enjoyed spending time and sharing meaningful conversations with special friends: Homer and Ann Baker; Leroy and Joan Robinson; Tommy and Mary Miles; Nathaniel and Angela Graham; Nathan and Kemry McFarland; Johnny and Bernice McClellan; Michael Rowell; Russell Graham; Palie Davis; and his many cousins—especially Emma Jean, Frenchy, Leo, John Calvin, and Aunt Ida Belle, his sister-in-law.
As his health began to decline, he relocated to College Park, Maryland, to live with Amy, her husband Tony, and their son, AD. After the move to Brandywine, Pops would often joke, “Lord, I left the country, and now they got me back in the country!”
He found joy in life’s simple pleasures—riding his scooter, eagerly awaiting Sunday breakfasts, watching Philadelphia Eagles games, and listening to and watching his favorite old gospel songs and videos on YouTube. He continued to cook his own breakfast and prepare favorite meals, including baby lima beans and okra with ham hocks, as well as braised pig feet, tails, or ears.
He especially enjoyed playing with the family dogs, who still look for him daily; sitting outside watching neighbors pass by; and sharing waves and conversations with Eric and Terry Harwood; Pete and Joy Claud; Emit Newsome; and Cherise Blagmon.
William was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle whose greatest joy came from supporting and guiding those he loved. His legacy of love, resilience, and quiet leadership will continue to live on through his family.
William Livingston, Jr. was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Rev. Anna L. Livingston, and his brother, Roosevelt Livingston.
He is survived by his children, who will forever cherish his memory: Jimmy Nichols, Sr. of Conway, South Carolina; Joyce (Ernest C., II) Rentz of Huntsville, Alabama; Dr. Sandra Edwards of Gulfport, Mississippi; Elder Anthony (Una) Edwards of Waldorf, Maryland; Stefanie (Percy) Watts Applewhite of Columbia, South Carolina; Jacqueline (Jack) Livingston of Mays Landing, New Jersey; and Sharon (Anthony) Morrison of Brandywine, Maryland.
He is also survived by a host of grandchildren: Nakia Miller of Gulfport, Mississippi; Ioda Rentz of Huntsville, Alabama; Ernest C. “Trey” Rentz III of Midland, Texas; Taylor Edwards of College Park, Maryland; Yvonna Edwards of Waldorf, Maryland; Anthony-Delroy Stanley of Laurel, Maryland; Anthony (Erica) Morrison, Jr. and Brittany Morrison of Glen Burnie, Maryland; Jubril Nichols and Jimmy Nichols, Jr. of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Mya Nichols of Conway, South Carolina; Alisha (David) Watts Burr of Lanham, Maryland; Talia (Robert) Watts Bruce of Portland, Oregon; Lauren (Matthew) Watts Garrett of Richmond, Virginia; Matthew Watts, Jr. of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey; Jenell Williams of Millville, New Jersey; Jordan Williams of Mays Landing, New Jersey; and Justin Williams and Jada Williams of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Andrew Crumbly and Gabriel Crumbly of Gulfport, Mississippi; Brixton Green and Luka Morrison of Glen Burnie, Maryland; Carver Burr and Weston Burr of Lanham, Maryland; Maximus Bruce of Portland, Oregon; Matthew Watts III, Jayah Watts, Mathieson Watts, Levi Watts, and Matthea Watts of Newfield, New Jersey; and Chenelle Williams and Nevaeh Williams Conroy of Millville, New Jersey. He is further survived by extended family members and a circle of dear friends.
A Celebration of Life honoring William Livingston, Jr. will be held on January 17, 2026. Viewing at 10:00am with the service beginning at 11:00am all at Faith Baptist Church, 829 Tilton Road, Pleasantville, NJ.
Interment will follow at Seaside Cemetery Co., Marmora, New Jersey.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered love, prayers, and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation, the American Heart Association, or the American Lung Association.
Closing Scripture
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
William Livingston, Jr. will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Arrangements by The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com