Lorenzo Williams

Lorenzo Williams was born on August 13, 1953, in Newark, New Jersey, the second son of Esther Williams. He was known by many names throughout his life. His brother George gave him the nickname “Dooly,” and his mother affectionately called him “Petey Wheat Straw,” after a character from the Dolemite movies—a name that stayed with him. Later, in his twenties, Lorenzo embraced the Muslim faith and became known as Karim Abdul Sultan, eventually changing his name to Muhammad Malik Sultan.

In his early years, Pete worked at the Hartford Courant, often pulling late-night shifts and coming home with ink covering his hands and clothes. He later became a skilled carpenter and an all-around handyman, capable of building homes from the ground up with his own hands. He often spoke with pride about how his younger brother, George Everette Williams, taught him the electrical trade—deepening not only his skills, but the bond they shared.

Lorenzo loved fine clothes, fine cars, fine women, and living life on his own terms. His 1972 “money green” Lincoln Continental—his “Stinkin’ Lincoln”—was once his pride and joy. Later, he could be found blasting his favorite song, “Rain Forest” by Paul Hardcastle, stepping out of the car, and dancing right in the middle of the street. He didn’t care who was watching—he simply wanted to enjoy life and share that joy with others.

“Uncle Pete” was a natural comedian—a jokester and a risk-taker who chose joy whenever he could. He could turn even hard times into laughter. He was well known and respected in the streets, yet always carried himself with style, pride, and what he liked to call being “pretty, pretty.”

His cousin Nikki fondly remembered how nervous she was to ask him to MC the family reunion, but he happily agreed, and boy did he deliver! He brought laughter, energy, and connection to everyone there. She shared: “Cousin Pete was a steady source of comfort, encouragement, and support to me over the years, especially in the last two. He made sure I never felt alone and always lifted my spirit when I needed it most.”

He loved deeply—especially children, and family. He had a charm that made him hard to resist, even when he had done you wrong. Beneath his bold and braggadocious exterior was a man of humility, vulnerability, and heart. And Lorenzo always believed in hard work and hustle, even as a young man he brought his baby brother and nephew with him to the car wash to earn tips cleaning whitewall tires. He took a special interest in that nephew – Uncle Sultan taught him how to box, play chess, clean and scale fish, and even introduced him to Star Trek. While tagging along on his weekend adventures, Uncle Sultan became the father figure Dion never had.

Lorenzo was an excellent cook, known for his turkey meatloaf and bean pies—skills he developed while incarcerated. Though not proud of that chapter, he used it as a turning point, emerging stronger and more determined to help others. For many years, he worked mentoring men reentering society and served as a drug addiction counselor. He became a guiding force for many, including young men he treated like sons, such as Channon “Geechi” Gordon and Kaynon Parker. He later retired in Hartford, Connecticut, before relocating to Macon, Georgia.

In 2021, Lorenzo published his autobiographical book, Dippin and Dabbin, where he reflected on his struggles and growth. He wrote, “The greatest trick the disease of addiction performs is to make you think it went away, thus leaving you ‘dippin and dabbin.’”

Lorenzo built a large and loving family over the course of his life. He was a devoted father to his five children: Malik Daren Harris Sultan; Hassan Muezzin Sultan; Aisha Hanan Sultan; Akquanna Wells Sultan (a registered nurse in North Carolina); and Lorrina L. Williams Sultan.

He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Jayla Marie Gray, Ahmad Robert Sultan, Ahmar Lorenzo Sultan, Robert Washington, Robin Washington, Khalilah Ruby Roach Zaher, Devin Sorin Villasenor, and Laila MyLove Williams. His youngest granddaughter, Laila—affectionately known as “Beans”—held a special place in his heart and was truly the apple of his eye.

Lorenzo is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Angela Y. Sultan, whom he affectionately called “Shorty”, along with their family: Lee Gray (LeeRenzo), Yvonne Gray (Evie), and twins Judith Murray and Liana Rodriguez, all of whom loved him dearly.

He shared deep bonds with his siblings and extended family. He is preceded in death by his mother, Esther Williams, who loved, protected, and supported him throughout his life; his sister Ann (“Peaches”); and his brothers Jerry Williams and Tyrone Williams. 

He is survived by his siblings and their families: his sister Ann’s children, Darlynn, Dion, and Chavewun; his brother Maurice of New York City and his sons Maurice and Sabota, along with Sabota’s brother Richard; and his youngest brother, George Everette Williams, whom Lorenzo admired deeply. George’s sons, Rashad and Tyron, were also an important part of his life. His youngest daughter, Lorrina, shared his later years in Macon, Georgia, along with her daughter Laila, lovingly known as “Beans.” Lorenzo adored each of his grandchildren and only wanted them to know the very best of him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (KJV)
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

Closing Poem

He lived out loud, he loved his way,
He found his joy in every day.
With laughter strong and spirit free,
He gave the world his energy.
Though roads were rough and nights were long,
He met them all with grit and song.
And in the hearts of those he knew,
His voice, his light, still carries through.
So when you smile or hear a song,
Or feel his presence all along—
Know this is not the end you see,
But love that lives in memory.

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