William James Pickens, Sr. (Bill), a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Hildagarde Tullulah Pickens, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, faith, and partnership. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Bill was the firstborn son of Alma Jean Mack and George Pickens. At an early age, his family moved to Beacon, NY, where he attended South Avenue Elementary School and later Beacon High School. A gifted athlete, Bill excelled in basketball throughout high school and college. He earned a degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill before serving in the U.S. Army for two years. After his honorable discharge, Bill returned to New York and began his distinguished career in banking at Freedom National Bank of Harlem. He later worked at Chase Manhattan Bank on Wall Street before embarking on a groundbreaking journey to advance Black economic empowerment. He played a pivotal role in founding Greensboro National Bank in North Carolina, one of several Black-owned banks where he worked tirelessly to address the financial needs of the Black community. His dedication to economic equity later led him to Burger King Corporation, where he served as Regional Franchise Sales Manager. There, he championed franchise ownership opportunities for Black and Latino entrepreneurs, strategically connecting operators with investors and helping expand the company’s presence along the East Coast. Bill eventually returned to banking, where he continued his commitment to financial empowerment until his retirement. After settling in the Greater Hartford area, Bill remained deeply engaged in community service. He was a proud member of the Old Guard, Inc., served on the Board of the West Hartford Senior Job Bank, and was actively involved with the West Hartford African American Social and Cultural Organization (WHAASCO). He also volunteered as a poll worker at Bloomfield Town Hall. Among his many contributions, he was most proud of his membership at Impact Church International in Hartford, where his faith and love for God remained central to his life. Bill was an avid reader, a natural mentor, and a gifted storyteller. He found immense joy in music, spending time with family, watching sports – especially if his grandsons were playing – and taking long walks at Elizabeth Park. He had a special fondness for spoiling the family dog and engaging in conversations that left lasting impressions. Above all, Bill believed in the importance of being a servant of God and treating others the way one would want to be treated. He was committed to the idea of the pursuit of excellence and always talked about getting an “A” in life. He felt that every day was an opportunity to be better than you were the day before. Bill’s greatest legacy was his family, whom he cherished above all else. He is survived by his loving wife, Tullulah; his son, William James Pickens, Jr. (Pete) of San Francisco, CA; his daughters, Nakia Tullulah Alexander of West Hartford, CT, and Amanda Pickens-Ewell of West Orange, NJ; his treasured grandchildren, August Alexander, Hudson Alexander, Jack Ewell, Genesis Ewell, and Bear Ewell; his sons-in-law, Wes Alexander and Quincy Ewell; his sister, Barbara Spells; his brother, Edward Pickens; his sisters-in-law, Kitrena DuBose Foster and Michelle Pickens; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Bill’s unwavering faith, generosity, and dedication to his family and community will live on as his enduring legacy in the countless lives he touched. He will be profoundly missed but forever remembered with love and gratitude. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.