Introduction
Lee Williams, the founder and leader of the gospel quartet Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, passed away on August 30, 2021, at his home in Pontotoc, Mississippi. He was 75 years old. The gospel music icon was known for his baritone voice and his stoic performance style, often singing without moving from his microphone stand. He and his group recorded several hit songs and albums, and won numerous awards and accolades for their contributions to the genre. But behind the scenes, Williams was struggling with two chronic diseases that eventually led to his retirement and death: Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
Alzheimer’s Disease
According to Enstarz, Williams suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for a long time, which is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a decline in mental abilities that interferes with daily life. Alzheimer’s has no cure, and its symptoms worsen over time. Some of the common signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, mood changes, and behavioral problems.
Williams’ Alzheimer’s diagnosis forced him to retire from music in 2018, after 50 years of leading the Spiritual QC’s. His family and friends noticed that he was becoming more forgetful and disoriented, and that he had trouble remembering his lyrics and performing on stage. According to Legacy.com, Williams’ last performance was at the 2018 Gospel Quartet Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, where he received a standing ovation from the audience.
Diabetes
Williams also had diabetes, a condition that affects how the body processes glucose, a type of sugar that is the main source of energy for the cells. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter the cells, or when the cells do not respond well to insulin. This causes glucose to build up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause various complications, such as nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, heart disease, and stroke.
According to Ben Vaughn, Williams died as a result of complications from diabetes and dementia. Diabetes can worsen the effects of Alzheimer’s, as high blood sugar levels can damage the brain and impair cognitive functions. Diabetes can also increase the risk of infections, which can be fatal for people with Alzheimer’s, who have a weakened immune system.
Conclusion
Lee Williams was a gospel singer and a legend, who touched the lives of many people with his music and his faith. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who loved his family and his fans. He was also a fighter, who battled two debilitating diseases for years, until he finally succumbed to them. He will be remembered and missed by his loved ones and his admirers, who will continue to cherish his legacy and his songs. Rest in peace, Lee Williams.
