Milan Williams, one of the founding members of the legendary group passed away July 9 in Houston after losing a bout with cancer. He was 58 years old and had made his mark as the band’s keyboard player. The group, whose most famous member is Lionel Richie, signed to Motown in 1972 after touring as the warm-up band for the Jackson Five.

The seven-member lineup scored with a string of 70’s “Brick House,” “Just To Be Close to You,” “Easy,” “Nightshift,” “Three Times a Lady” “Jesus Is Love” and “Still.” Richie later went on to a successful solo career in the 80s, write hits for other artists (namely Kenny Rogers’ “Lady”) and of course is daddy to Paris Hilton co-star Nicole Richie.

Williams is survived by his wife, two sons, two brothers and a sister. Services will be held July 14 in Okolona, with a Los Angeles memorial service scheduled for August.

“He was once, twice, three times a brother and we love him,” said the group’s drummer, Walter “Clyde” Orange. “He gave all that he could give to the Commodores. He’ll always be remembered.”

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