The GameTime and General Vending family is deeply saddened to share that longtime team member and friend, Markeal Williams, has passed away. Out of respect for his family’s privacy, no medical details will be shared.

Markeal, who lived in Hollywood, Florida, passed away on December 10 at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, with his family by his side.

Markeal began his career in the amusement and attractions industry more than 30 years ago at Grand Prix Racerama, which at the time was recognized as one of the largest arcades in the world. He grew into a lead role managing hundreds of games and maintaining an impeccable game floor that guests traveled from all over to enjoy.

He later joined Flippers Cinema and Arcade, where he played a key role in converting and transforming a traditional movie theater into a combined family entertainment center and cinema operation. Markeal then moved to GameTime and General Vending, where he spent the last 18 years as a lead technician and operational cornerstone. Over that time, he was responsible for the care, uptime, and performance of several thousand machines across multiple venues and supported many technicians and assistant technicians who worked alongside and under his guidance.

“Markeal wasn’t just a skilled technician; he was a coach, a mentor, and a true friend,” said Mike Abecassis, CEO. “He poured himself into this business and into the people around him. From managing some of the largest and busiest game floors in the industry to training the next generation of technicians, he approached everything with patience, dedication, and a deep pride in doing things the right way. His impact on our operations, our guests, and our lives is immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed.”

Outside of work, Markeal devoted himself to the youth in his community. He was a well-known youth football coach, recognized statewide and by many across the country for his ability to develop talent and character. Many of his players went on to play college football, carrying forward the lessons and discipline he instilled in them. He was also a dedicated track and field coach. His daughter became a state champion, competing in long jump and other events, and his son, Markeal “Bam” Williams Jr., also excelled in track and field and went on to attend college in Detroit, supported in part by the athletic foundation and coaching his father helped build.

Markeal’s passion for training went beyond organized teams. He built a private gym at his home, where he spent his evenings after work and his weekends training local children, including many who were underprivileged and did not have access to coaching, facilities, or

fitness programs. For those kids and families, Markeal was not only a coach but also a role model, supporter, and advocate.

He is survived by his wife, Cassandra Williams, and his children, Markeal Williams Jr., Jasmine Jones, and Christopher Jones, along with extended family and loved ones.

The entire industry has lost a true hero—someone who loved this business, believed in what it could be, and worked every day to help it excel and succeed.

On behalf of everyone at GameTime and General Vending, we extend our deepest condolences to Markeal’s family, friends, players, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and work. We ask our industry colleagues to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Information about memorial arrangements or ways the industry can honor Markeal’s memory will be shared as it becomes available and as his family is comfortable with those details being made public. For up-to-date information, please visit www.gametimeplayers.com/markeal