William, affectionately known as Tolbert or Poppa, was born March 1, 1952, to Tommie and Rosie Tolbert. William moved to Florida at an early age and attended the schools of Hillsborough County where he graduated from Middleton High School. Up to the completion of school he had many jobs and task. He was attending Temple of Apostle Inc. with Bishop Moreland as an assisting pastor. Tolbert was well known in the community. He was very outspoken and a true man of God. In his spare time he loved to sing with his Group "The Dedicated Ones ", and preach the Word of God . Tolbert has left a very big void and he will be sorely missed by all those that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommie and Rosie Tolbert; and sister, Lou Ponder.

He leaves to cherish his memory, children, Dexter Williams (Latasha), Angela Hearn,  William Tolbert, Jr. (Shonta) and JaMelle Robertson; brother, James Tolbert; sisters, Joeann Sellers - Major, and Dorthy Damon; aunts, Ester Thompson and Marion Dale; a very special devoted friend, Gail Hearn; step-daughters, Loretta Young, Denise Iverson and Tara Jackson; stepsons, Robert Denson (April) and Terran Tillman and Tara Jackson; grandchildren, Ro'Nyla Gainey, Roshad Gainey, Zane Brassfield, Lyndretta, Sahyleah, Dexterny Williams, Jayden Bodison, Symarrion Bowen, LaNya Williams,  Tariana, Edwin, Edward, Sebastian, Prince, Tareyarn, Malik, Janiyah, Jamir, Jamelle, Jr. and Jarelle; special and close friends, William Merrell, Willie Tolbert, Alphonso Tolbert, Charles and many more;  along with a a host of other grandkids, nieces , nephews.