William Ernest Joseph

Sgt. William Ernest Joseph Jr, age 73, also known as DJ / Willie, departed this life on February 02, 2026, at Brook Army Medical Center Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was born on February 22, 1952, in New York, New York to Willie Ernest Joseph Sr. and Mary Mitchell, who both proceeded him in death. He attended elementary and middle school in Charleston, South Carolina. He later moved back to New York where he attended high school and later joined the US Army. William retired from the US Army and Government Civil Service.

He was an amazing friend, brother, uncle, grandfather, and most importantly dad. He was an extraordinary man who lived an ordinary life with immense purpose. His greatest achievement was his family, to whom he was a superhero and a constant source of wisdom and strength. He found joy in watching NFL (Giants) football, wrestling, black and white old westerns and being a gun marksman. There are no words to express his influence on our lives and on those around him. He was always the first to show up, willing to assist you, give guidance, and you would walk away with a new perspective on life that made you a better person. He taught us to work hard, do it right the first time, be compassionate, have patience and to love deeply on those who love you. William loved nothing more than being a grandfather, from cooking classes in the kitchen, to wrestling moves, tickle fights, racing scooters in Walmart, telling jokes and telling them he loved them. There is truly not enough time in a day to express how much he meant to us. However, to know him was to love him and he loved you too.

Despite facing numerous health challenges, he never wavered in his love for his family. While we are devastated by this loss, we take comfort in knowing that his strength, compassion to help others and his never-ending love lives on in us.

Leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and wisdom, he is survived by his children: Chantale Joseph-Centeno (Manuel) Laurens, SC, LaTanya Anderson Perry( Raheme-deceased) Converse, Tx La’Tisha Joseph-Wright (Wayne),Cibolo, Tx, Tony Atkinson (Andrea), Converse, Tx TaNeka L. Joseph, Converse, Tx, Jerrea Joseph -Rivers (Donte’) Summerville, SC, Deion S. Joseph ,Goose Creek, SC Grandchildren ) Michael Joseph, Renardo N. Bryant, LaStaycia C. Hester, Manuel Centeno (preceded in death), Melissa Centeno, Dacialiya S. Robinson, Ta’Mira J. Wright, Adrian J. Wright, Genesis Rivers, Mason L. Joseph, Jordan Rivers, Rae‘Lynn L. Joseph, Deion P. Joseph, Jade Rivers, Na’Sir K. Joseph , Great- grandchildren: Ja’Mirr,Damon, Xiorallys, Destiny, Kaydin,Elianna,Ella,Raizel,Za’Myiah, Ace Judah, Khailea, Julian II; siblings: Hakim Abdulrahman (Fiola-deceased), Arthuree Allen (Ben-deceased), Willa Griffin, Betty Denson, Edna Monroe, Jessica Monroe; siblings that proceeded him in death: Arthur Mitchell III, Lillian Blanchard, and Rita M. Singleton and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends(Andrea).