Prentice Cyril Williams was born on January 29, 1946, to Thomas Williams and Bessie L. Wilson. Known as “Buddy” during his childhood, Prentice was the second of six siblings. He is survived by his brothers, Thom and Jim, and his sisters, Otha and Onnia. His parents and his older brother Nathaniel predeceased him. Prentice grew up in a poor family that lacked many opportunities, but he discovered a passion for football, which significantly shaped his life. His siblings were proud and supportive of him. Prentice graduated from Taft High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1966 and then attended Arizona State University on a football scholarship. He spent most of his adult life near the ASU campus, actively engaging in the Tempe, Arizona community.
Throughout his career, Prentice held various jobs, including mortgage loan consultant, senior mortgage loan officer, printing sales manager, sign sales manager, and internet radio talk show host. He was also politically active, advocating for liberal causes in Tempe, Arizona, and nationally. Prentice ran for Tempe City Council every two years from 1978 to at least 1994, with his 1978 campaign being featured in Jared Smith’s book, *The African American Experience in Tempe* (2010).
Prentice was a dynamic football player at ASU, playing under the famous coach Frank Kush. Initially a running back, he once rushed for over 100 yards but mostly played as a linebacker. He was part of the undefeated 1970 Sun Devil team, which was ranked the top college team in the nation by the Polling System. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1971, Prentice also spent time on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad and played for the Phoenix Blazers in the Western Football League in 1972 and 1973.
After his football career, Prentice developed a passion for basketball, beginning in the mid-1970s. He played pickup games at the ASU gym and later joined the Faculty Staff Basketball Association (FSBA) when it became an official campus organization in the early 1990s. Prentice was a regular player with students, faculty, and staff for over 50 years, making him the longest continuously active participant in ASU’s noontime basketball games. He was known for his defensive skills, often exclaiming “Defense by Prentice!” after forcing turnovers.
On April 26, 2024, Prentice collapsed during a noontime FSBA basketball game. He was taken to Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa, where it was determined he had suffered a stroke and a heart attack. He experienced additional strokes over the next three weeks and ultimately passed away on May 21st. Prentice’s basketball friends visited him regularly until his death. He lived life to the fullest, playing basketball up to his 78th year, and passed away doing what he loved. His basketball friends are deeply saddened by his passing.
Prentice’s brother Thom reflected on his life, saying, “Not everything worked out for Prentice, but he loved his life in Arizona, and we loved him for that. I loved my brother immensely, and he always knew that. That’s why he always stayed with me when he visited Cincinnati. It was a reciprocal relationship. I never expected to be the oldest in the family, but here we are.” Prentice, known as Buddy, will be greatly missed.
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