William E. Prince was born September 10, 1944 in Birmingham, AL to the late William Prince Jr and the former Annie Mae Griffin. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized as a child at a small Birmingham church. William lived a life marked by quiet devotion, humble service, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Shortly after graduating from high school in Birmingham, AL, William answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1962. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas from November to December of that year, before advancing to military occupation training at Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas, from January through April of 1963. His service then took him overseas, where he served with the 26th Supply Squadron at Toul-Rosières Air Force Base in France from April 1963 to April 1966. During this timeframe, he also did a short training event in Mildenhall, England in 1965. He completed his four years of distinguished military service with the 4603rd Supply Squadron at Stewart Air Force Base in New York, from April through November of 1966. William's time in the Air Force instilled in him a deep sense of discipline, duty, and integrity that he carried with him for the rest of his life.

After returning home from the military, in 1967 William found employment at a Torpedo Plant in Forest Park, IL for a couple of years. After that, he found employment with Homeland Security as a United States Customs Officer where he retired after forty years of dedicated service.

William was a man of remarkable humility, one who never sought recognition or the spotlight. He preferred to work behind the scenes often saying, "God sees me working and He knows what I'm doing." That simple but profound conviction guided everything he did. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Annie, and a caring and dedicated father to his amazing son, Quinton. Those who knew William understood that his strength lay not in grand gestures but in the steady, faithful way he showed up for the people and causes he believed in.

In his personal life, William found joy in a variety of pursuits. He was an avid reader of novels and took great pleasure in listening to old gospel music. His flower garden was a source of pride and beauty, tended with the same patience and care he brought to everything. He enjoyed tinkering with and repairing his vehicle, and he and his family treasured the time they spent traveling together.

William was a faithful member of Broadview Missionary Baptist Church in Broadview Illinois for over fifteen years, where his dedication extended far beyond Sunday worship. He volunteered his time performing janitorial work at the church two to three days each week, serving selflessly and without fanfare until his health no longer permitted him to continue. His quiet, steadfast presence was a blessing to his church family and a living testament to his deep and abiding faith.

William was preceded in death by his parents William Prince Jr and Annie Mae Griffin Prince.

William leaves to cherish his memory: His loving and devoted wife Annie Prince of nearly eighteen years, his wonderful and caring son Quinton Henderson, Aurora, IL, brothers Ronald Prince of Highland, Indiana, and Kevin Prince of Merrillville, Indiana. Leaving also, a host of family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A homegoing celebration for William E. Prince will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Broadview Missionary Baptist Church, 2100 S. 25th Avenue, Broadview, Illinois 60155. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The family kindly asks to omit flowers

The family of William E. Prince wishes to acknowledge the many kind expressions of sympathy and condolences they have received. May God richly bless each of you for your comforting words, acts of kindness, love, and your prayers of hope and compassion.

Inurnment Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 West Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60155.

Info: 800-562-0082