Justin Williams, a state trooper who had served on Gov. Kay Ivey’s security detail since 2019, has died following a courageous battle against cancer, the governor announced.

Williams, 42, had been a state trooper for 19 years.

“Justin was a professional in every sense of the word,” Ivey said. “He was effective, worked well with his colleagues, my staff and me. Truly, he was a real gentlemen.

“This Earth will be a little less bright – and funny – without Justin, but I am confident he is at peace with God in Heaven. My prayers are with his family, especially his daughter. God bless, Justin! He was a faithful public servant until the end.”

In addition to his 19 years as a state trooper, Williams earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from Faulkner University, the governor’s office said.