McKinley 'Bug' Williams, toured with R&B group

WHEN HE WAS a kid growing up in Germantown, family and friends called McKinley Williams "June Bug."

Grown up, he no longer was cute enough for that appellation, so the "June" was dropped and the "Bug" took hold.

McKinley "Bug" Williams, percussionist and singer, was a key member of the soul and R&B group Maze, founded in the late '70s by fellow Philadelphian Frankie Beverly, singer and guitarist.

Together, they toured the U.S. and Europe, taking the soul and rhythm and blues sound to many parts of the globe.

McKinley died last Friday of an apparent heart attack. He complained of not feeling well during a practice for a concert in Chattanooga and went to his hotel room.

When friends went to check on him, they found him unresponsive. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Unlike many musicians and members of popular bands, McKinley didn't bounce around among groups. He joined Maze shortly after Beverly founded it and never left.

"I've never played with anyone else," he is quoted as saying on Maze's website. "I've always wanted the same basic things that Frank wanted for the band and my attitude was 'let's take it to the max.' "

His daughter, Allison Williams, said her father leaves behind "a legacy of love, laughter, wisdom, tremendous musicianship and profound loyalty."

He was born in Philadelphia one of the seven children of Mack and Gladys Williams. He attended Germantown High School, and was a member of Christ Tabernacle Baptist Church, in Germantown, where he sang on the choir and developed a lifelong passion for music.

"His dedication and loyalty would shape his character and give him strength," his daughter said. "He was always the 'father figure' in the band and would find great joy in the relationships he cultivated with the band and crew."

A well-rounded man, McKinley was interested in antique cars, trapshooting, professional sports and home remodeling.

Besides his daughter, he is survived by a sister, Charlotte Harris, and a brother, James Williams.

Services: 11 a.m. Monday at New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, 7500 Germantown Ave. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Chelten Hills Cemetery.