Friends and family bid farewell to Ra-Che Williams yesterday in an emotional funeral ceremony at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity.

Mr Williams – who was killed in a hit-and-run collision on June 25 – was described as loyal, caring and talented young man taken too soon. He was 23.

Wayne Swan, delivering Mr Williams’ obituary, said: “Ra-Che was the best of any of us.

“He was always the better friend. Ra-Che was a brother – genuine and supportive.”

Mr Swan, who briefly mentored Mr Williams, said that the young man wanted to make a positive impact on the world.

He added: “Well, Che, I think you have done that.”

Mr Williams was described as a dedicated athlete who loved football and cricket, and excelled in track and field.

“As a goalkeeper in football, it was often a joke amongst his friends that he didn’t need the gloves because his hands were already so big and strong – which was also why his hugs made you feel so safe,” Mr Swan said.

“Che never let you leave his presence without a hug. Never.”

Mr Williams earned a spot-on the honours list at CedarBridge Academy and then travelled to the UK to study at Harefield Academy and Southampton Solent University.

He also had a passion for art and fashion was known to carry a sketchbook. Along with showcasing his work on Instagram, Mr Williams was working towards creating a clothing line.

Mr Swan added: “Che was excited about his graphic clothing line and his future.”

In a series of written tributes, Mr William’s friends remembered him as joyful and positive.

One wrote: “One thing about Ra-Che is he always made an effort with people.

“He checked up on me at least once a week despite him being in Southampton and myself in Bermuda.”

Another said: “The pain of this loss has weighed so heavily on my head. I’m struggling to understand why you’re still not with us.

“Your personality could swing a room, your energy was infectious, your caring spirit will always be with me.”

Staff at the Ministry of Health, where he worked on the Covid testing support team, also remembered Mr Williams as energetic, supportive and hard working.

Armell Thomas said: “Everything he did he did with a lot of energy.”

He said the day before the fatal crash, he and Mr Williams had a long discussion about the introduction of a lunch room at LF Wade International Airport for Ministry of Health staff working there, with Mr Williams championing a couch being put in.

Mr Thomas said: “We are now going to be naming the lunch room after him in his memory.”

Other healthcare workers described Mr Williams as humble, loyal and a “gift from God”.

Corrinda Liyanage said: “He always greeted me with a smile and was always respectful, even when he had concerns.

“I often joked with him about being a ‘sneaker head’ which usually ended with him giving me the biggest smile.

“His kind spirit and positive attitude was something that nobody could resist.”

Michael Parsons said: “Ra-Che was such a vibrant and energetic person who always knew how to make the team laugh.

“If he wasn’t showing us shoes, he was showing us videos on Instagram that he would die of laughter to.”