William Kennedy Mickens, Jr.

Mr. William Mickens was born in Miami, Florida, on January 13, 1942, to his beloved parents, the late William Mickens and Aline White Mickens. He was the oldest of five. children born to this union.

William attended Miami-Dade County Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Miami in 1959. After high school, he began his career in the United States Air Force, serving from 1961 to 1964, and received several awards and commendations. After serving his country for four years, William returned to Miami and furthered his career in law enforcement, becoming the first black male police officer with the Metro Dade Police Department. He was in charge of an area in Miami known as the heart of Liberty City, on NW 15 Avenue and 17 Avenue.

In 1970, William embarked upon his entrepreneurial adventures, starting with the "Mickens Eviction Headquarters" business. It was also referred to as the Metro Miami  Landlords and Tenants Center.  He continued to open other successful businesses, including Shelley's Deli, named after his beautiful daughter, Shelly, in 1973.

William was a blessed man. His first marriage was to Betty Thomas, who preceded him in death, and years later, he married  Jacqueline. They shared a blended family of his daughter, his bonus children, whom he helped raise, and her six children.

William was a great man and a great provider. As we remember him today, we can't help but remember his outgoing personality and his distinct, far-reaching influence that impacted his community and those around him. He was blessed to have lived 83 wonderful years of life that were full of love, family, and purpose.

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, William Mickens departed this life to return to his Heavenly Home