Our beloved pastor, founder, spiritual father, Rev. William Vázquez was called to heaven early morning, August 7,2021. He was a patriarch of the faith and will be profoundly missed. We are grateful for the life and love of a man who planted seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come.
Pastor, thank you for your life well lived for Christ. Thank you for your legacy that continues in us. Thank you for the love you gave us individually and for the grace you poured on us time and time again. For believing in us and seeing the gifts and potential we didn’t see. For calling us out of comfort. We love you and we honor you.
Euology
William Vázquez Viruet was born October 16, 1950 in Caonilla Abajo, Utuado, Puerto Rico to the late Secundino Vázquez (Rosa) and Josefina Viruet. William was raised by his grandmother, Marta Gonzalez Vázquez. In 1966 at the age of 16, he traveled to Chicago to live and meet his father.
William surrendered his life to the Lord in 1969 at the age of 19. Shortly after, he attended Teen Challenge. After completing the Program, he participated at the Latin American Bible Institute in El Paso, TX in 1971 and graduated in 73’. Six months after returning from the institute, he was called to the ministry and anointed as Co-Pastor of Canaan Church until February 1987. While serving as Co-Pastor, he worked as a heavy equipment operator with Commonwealth Edison from 1980 through his retirement in 2002.
In 1976, at the age of 26, Pastor Willie met a young lady, Emilia “Millita” Jordan, in Chicago at Canaan Church. After their meeting, the Lord spoke to Millita, revealing that William would be her future husband. She immediately passed on the revelation to William, who then replied, “The Lord has yet to give me the news!”. They married on July 12, 1980.
Pastor is survived by his Wife and Children, Jonathan, Rebecca, and Jeanette Rodriguez; his siblings Norma, Ada, Brunilda, Nelson, Edith, Maria, Evelyn, and extended family.
In obedience to God’s prompting to start a new church, Willie and Millita received the blessing from their Pastor to begin a ministry. In August 1987, Pastor Willie and Pastora Millita founded Liberty Christian Center (“Centro”) in their apartment living room with two youths.
In 2002, William began his service to God in full-time ministry. With a profound drive for community and relentless passion for helping people discover their God-given gifts; Pastor Willie served as the Senior Pastor, President, and Founder of Liberty for over 30 years. His legacy as a foundational Leader and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ has successfully launched multiple affiliate churches and ministries in the Chicagoland area and across the United States.
Today, we celebrate the legacy of a man who was a husband, father, family member, and friend. Pastor Willie was a spiritual father to many and a Pastor to Pastors.
He will be remembered for his genuine love for people, making people laugh when they didn’t want to, his practical wisdom, and jokes. His many catchy quotes like “The best is yet to come” and “Keep it up don’t give up” will resonate with us forever. Most of all, he will be remembered for seeing the best in people, forming leaders, and his compassion for souls.
Pastor Willie’s leadership has profoundly impacted our lives, and our hearts are forever grateful for the privilege of knowing such a devoted man of God.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” 2 Timothy 4:7
