Mourning of PGP Rodney Williams

[tkeos443]

Gentleman of Tau Kappa Epsilon and friends it is with a heavy heart that I notify you all that the installing officer of my chapter and one of our keys to helping the fraternity become what we are today has unfortunly passed away. He passed away yesterday and has left behind him a undoubting legend about how to carry yourself not only as a frater but as a man. He was not only a past grand prytanis but the only National Interfraternity Conference President from TKE. Remember him and remember we will all meet again in the chapter eternal

With Much Saddness,
James Metcalf
Omicron-Sigma 443

[The1calledTKE]

It is a great loss to the fraternity and he will be in my prayers.

YITB
Brandon

[The1calledTKE]

Here is more information IHQ gave..

TKE Celebrates the Life of Rodney Williams, Jr.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – The Venerable Grand Prytanis of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Robert D. Planck, has declared an official Period of Mourning for the Grand Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon, to honor the life, accomplishments, and memory of RODNEY WILLIAMS, JR., CFC, OGE, Past Grand Prytanis of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Frater Rodney passed away on Monday, March 3, 2003 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 59.




“Today, TKE lost one of the ‘greats’ in the history of our Fraternity,” said Grand Prytanis Planck. “Rodney’s lifelong involvement in TKE and the entire men’s fraternity system was his passion. For years, he gave selflessly of his time, abundant talent, and energy to make the Greek system something better for every fraternity man. I know that all Tekes and fraternity men everywhere join me in remembering Rodney and the many contributions he made toward the modern-day concept of being a ‘fraternity man.’ His friends and family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Rodney Williams was initiated into the Bond of Tau Kappa Epsilon on February 27, 1963 at our Alpha-Chi Chapter at the University of Louisville. Frater Rodney served in a number of volunteer roles in TKE, including twelve years on the TKE Grand Council (Grand Prytanis, 1979-81; Grand Epiprytanis 1977-79, Grand Grammateus 1973-77, Grand Pylortes 1971-73, and Grand Hegemon 1969-71). He also served on the TKE Educational Foundation Board of Directors, and was the first Teke to serve as President of the North-American Interfraternity Conference. Frater Rodney’s service to the Greek system was recognized by him being awarded the highest honor in both TKE and the NIC (TKE Order of the Golden Eagle and NIC Gold Medal).

“The impact Rodney has made on the men’s fraternity system and Greeks everywhere is almost too great to measure”, said TKE Executive Vice President Emeritus T.J. Schmitz, a long-time personal friend of Frater Rodney. “He was a very dedicated Frater, and loved Tau Kappa Epsilon. He was truly a ‘volunteer’s volunteer’ as one of the Fraternity’s most involved alumni members in volunteer activities and causes. This is a sad day indeed for TKE, as we’ve lost one of our finest leaders and friends.”

The Period of Mourning is established in accordance with the Black Book, which outlines the details of such an observance, including having all Tekes display a black ribbon behind the Badge of Membership and flying the TKE flag at half-mast. The Period of Mourning will begin on March 4, 2003 and lasts 14 days.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Rodney Williams previously established the “Alpha-Chi Chapter, Rodney Williams Scholarship” within the TKE Educational Foundation, as an enduring service to benefit future Tekes. Tax-deductible donations, in Rodney’s honor, may be made to this living tribute via the Foundation at 8645 Founders Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268.