A young man who became not only a hometown hero but an inspiration to thousands across the nation during his struggle with brain cancer has died.

Eli “The Eliminator” Williams, 12, of Limestone County, had a “peaceful passing into the arms of his creator” Saturday while surrounded by family, his mother said.

His fight lasted six years.

Many friends have shared stories of Eli, son of Victor and Kristie Williams. One thing remained constant throughout the stories — even though Eli was undergoing real-life horrors, he remained courageous and patient. It’s been said he changed lives, broadened perspectives and taught appreciation. He also continuously contributed to research that may one day lead to a cure for other children.

Eli was a student at Athens Bible School when his cancer was first discovered.

A representative of the school penned this tribute and posted it to the school’s Facebook page: “Our Athens Bible School family will not be the same without Eli. While he was in school, his smile radiated the classrooms and hallways.

“While he was away from us receiving treatment, he was always in our hearts. We wore ‘Blue for Eli’ T-shirts and we dressed as superheroes in honor of his courage. We held fundraisers and we attended events to show our love.

“But more than any of those physical things, we were always ‘Praying for Eli.’ We prayed for healing. We prayed for peace. And we prayed for comfort. Now as we grieve with Eli’s family, we know that in God’s own way, He has answered our prayers. We are grateful for the time we had with him and the many lessons we learned through his journey. May God continue to bless the Williams family and allow us to be a comfort to them.”

Athens Bible School Principal Randall Adams said Eli was at the school only a short time in the principal’s first year before he was diagnosed. Eli was in the first grade.

“I remember him as a pleasant, intelligent, compelling young man,” Adams said. “He and his family’s devotion to each other and faith in God through his almost constant trials and tribulations since that time lead me to think of him as a real trooper, full of tenacity, resilience and persistence. His example of courage, hope and faithfulness has been an example to our students and community about how one should deal with uncertainty and adversity. He taught us patience and how to deal with life as it is given to us and how to make the most of it.”

Adams recalled a phone call from Eli’s dad, Vic, in 2015. Vic called to say that Eli might give a speech at the graduation exercises, Adams said.

“To date, I believe that he must be our youngest graduation speaker and certainly one of the most memorable and with the most significant impact.”

“Eli’s life has left an indelible impact and imprint on the lives of the students and indeed the entire ABS community,” Adams said. “He will be remembered and certainly missed. His family is also a commendable example of how a family should support and dedicate themselves tirelessly to their own during difficult times. His influence has gone well beyond our school, with memorials, dedications and various remembrances around the world.”

Love of Mustangs

Eli’s journey indeed captured the hearts of many. Lawrence Taylor-Duncan learned about Eli through a customer at work.

“The word was that he loved Mustangs and she knew I was a big Mustang fan, too, so she asked if I could show mine to him,” Taylor-Duncan said. “The answer, of course, was yes.”

It was arranged for Eli to see Taylor-Duncan’s Shelby Mustang and a friendship was born. Taylor-Duncan, who described Eli as reserved, also gave Eli a red Carroll Shelby Super Snake baseball cap.

“It quickly became his go-to hat which he wore almost everywhere,” Taylor-Duncan said.

It was Eli’s passion for Ford Mustangs that helped put the wheels in motion for a childhood cancer foundation known as Eli’s Block Party Childhood Cancer Foundation. To raise money, the foundation gives back to the community by hosting family events that focus on childhood cancer and raising awareness of the disease. Events include Eli’s Block Party Car Show Series; Superhero Day held each September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; and Hope for the Holidays, a benefit dinner held at the end of the year.

“Eli made more of an impact on so many lives in 12 years than some people do in a lifetime,” said Teresa Hagood, a volunteer with the Superhero Day and Eli’s Block Party.

The first Eli’s Block Party came about when Taylor-Duncan suggested to Eli’s mom, Kristie, that several members of a local Mustang club get together at their house and show their cars to Eli. Taylor-Duncan reached out to Joseph Scott and Lisa Burnett of the Limestone County Mustang Club, and before they could blink, word had spread so far they had to move the meeting place to Lindsay Lane Baptist Church.

“We had hundreds of people show up to support the fight against childhood cancer,” Taylor-Duncan said, adding the president of the Mustang Club of America drove to Athens to show his support.

Taylor-Duncan said it wasn’t long until United Automobile Workers got word and began making contributions in Eli’s honor.

“Ford even invited Eli up to their Mustang plant and made him plant manager for the day,” Taylor-Duncan said. “He was able to start the Mustang production line.” The Flat Rock Assembly plant in Michigan flew their flag at half mast this week in honor of Eli.

Taylor-Duncan said he remembers Eli as reserved, quiet and a little shy, but he knows he must have been thrilled.

“He was a kid of very few words,” Taylor-Duncan said, adding he believes Eli’s parents and others helped make a difference and put a smile on Eli’s face to help him feel like a kid despite all the challenges.

Limestone County Mustang Club President Joseph Scott said that from the very first moment you hear about Eli and his story, it touches your heart, but after meeting him you could not help but be inspired by him.

“We enjoyed every cruise-in and car show we were able to participate in and do in his honor,” Scott said. “I recently heard a quote, ‘Don’t count the days, make the days count’ and after you meet the Williams family that’s exactly what they have done. They made every day count with the short time they had with Eli on this earth.”

Shortly after meeting Eli, Scott remarked, “Eli is my hero.”

“It’s true and he will be missed greatly, but he will always ride with us,” Scott said.

Madison Church of Christ Evangelism Minister Kyle Massengale said he came to know the Williams family almost nine years ago. He learned about Eli’s diagnosis in December 2011. He said there were times of great hope when the church would hear news of an opportunity for Eli to take part in a trial.

“We marveled to see the determination of this small, frail, little man step up without a whimper to have things done to his body from which a grown man would shrink back,” Massengale said.

He said many church members would host and participate in the events Kristie had organized for cancer research and awareness.

“There were many days of great expectations followed by crushing blows of reality of what this cancer had in store,” he said, adding he got a sense that Eli and his family knew they were not just doing chemo and trials for themselves, but that it was for all the families who had their own little Eli eagerly awaiting the words, “A cure has been found.”

Massengale spoke of the Williams’ faith and how they opened their lives and hearts to the church family.

“We are eternally grateful for them and the things we have learned from Eli, “ Massengale said. “He spoke very little and when he did it was a whisper to his dad or to mom. But he did not have to say a word. His courage to face every day with all of his strength, his determination to follow Christ in baptism, his ability to take in all that the world would dish out and then curl up in the lap of his mom and dad at the end of the day to rest. His love for his Lord and Legos will always remind us to love not only the things we enjoy but to love things beyond our limits of comprehension.”

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks lauded Eli.

“Eli and his family have been and will continue to be an inspiration to all of us in Athens and to everyone impacted by cancer,” he said. “He was a brave young child, and I hope he traveled to Heaven in a Mustang.”

Eli’s celebration of life

Eli is survived by his parents; two sisters, Hannah Grace Williams and Abbey Williams; and one brother, Caleb Williams. His grandparents are Carolyn Biles and Victor Williams Sr., both of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the late Thomas Sharp and Betty Sharp.

Eli’s Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at Madison Church of Christ, 556 Hughes Road in Madison. An informal visitation will be held following the service in the auditorium. There will be no graveside services.

A procession of Ford Mustangs will escort Eli’s cremains to Madison Church of Christ. Those who arrive early will be able to see them roll in.

The Limestone County Mustang Club and Rocket City Mustang Club will unite Friday to form Eli’s Mustang Club. Eli’s Mustang Club will meet in the parking lot of Dealers Auto Auction at 26125 U.S. 72 in Athens before the procession. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Eli’s Block Party Foundation left “In memory of Eli” at www.elisblockparty.org.