William Polk

William Derrick Polk was born on August 27, 1961 to William Polk and the late Ruth Hairston in Newark NJ.  Affectionately known to close family and friends as “Stinky” (which he hated) “Charlie”, and “Polk” he was the third eldest of 6 children.  At 4:22 a.m. on August 1, 2021 at Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC God called on this special King to come home.

William was educated through the Newark Public School System where he wrestled as a Shabazz Bulldog and won state championship #129. William graduated from Malcolm X Shabazz High School in 1979.   Early in his career, William worked for Scholles Poultry whose name later changed to White Rose Tech in Union NJ.  William was always interested in advancing his knowledge and expertise and as such he became interested  in the trades and was educated at Lincoln Technical Institute and Union County Votech College where he received certificates in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and Plumbing.

William later became employed  by the Newark Public Schools where he worked for nearly 32 years.  He began his career as a Plumber and advanced several times throughout his tenure to the position of Director of Facilities, where he managed all facility services for approximately 70 district wide school buildings. William had a passion for the work and ensuring that the children of Newark had a safe and healthy environment for receiving their education.

In his youth, William worked with his grandfather, William Turner, who taught him the love of earning and saving money. The life lesson he learned from his grandfather, “to get what you want, you have to work hard for it” paid off.  He retired on April 1, 2021 to reside in his beautiful custom-built home with his family in Clover, South Carolina.

William loved the lord and attended Impact Church in South Plainfield, NJ.

As a child, William was a mischievous little rascal, and frequently in trouble. He once took a neighbor’s car and pushed it onto the sidewalk just for kicks.  When he was supposed to be washing his grandfather’s car, he would sneak off for joy rides with his buddies Danny and Warren by his side.

As a young man, William spent many weekends at Twin City Roller Skating Rink in Elizabeth, NJ. There he met the love of his life, Regina.  They were married for nearly 34 years.  On their very first date they argued, and Regina thought, this is not going to work out, but this fast became a match made in heaven.

In his leisure time, you would find William parked in his favorite chair down by the docks watching the boats go by. He really gave credence to the song “ Sitting By the Dock of the Bay watching time roll away. He enjoyed listening to old school R& B, and Loved, Loved, Loved riding his Harley cruiser, that was his baby, next to his wife of course.

William enjoyed life.  He loved to laugh and have fun. He also loved to entertain and enjoyed gatherings with family and friends. You knew when he was feeling good by just hearing these words…“Now that’s what’s up!”

William had a sense of humor, could be sarcastic, but had a compassionate spirit. However, if you were faint at heart, then you would be best served not messing with him as you could very easily get your feelings hurt.  He was brutally honest, so if a compliment was given by him, it was REAL!

William was an amazing husband, father, son, and brother that was loved, will be missed and will always be cherished. William leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories to his loving wife, Regina Polk; his devoted children, Kyle and Kendall Polk; a brother, Waymon Smith; three sisters, Earline Bryant, Sheila Hairston, and Rhoda Hairston; a father William (Berurene) Polk; brother-in-law, Clyde Bryant; step brother Kevin (Vicki) Polk; step sister Keisha Polk; three childhood brothers Danny Bass, Warren Armstrong and Dave Daniels; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.

William was preceded in death by his mother Ruth Hairston and brother Eric Smith.