Viewers knew it was going to happen, but they were still saddened on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 when William died from the cancer he had been battling on NBC's "This Is Us." Fans commented on social media how they cried when it happened. That was the most emotional episode of the series. Even though it was a sad occasion, there were some good things that happened during William's last hours.

Two on the road trip

William lived long enough to take one last road trip with Randall to his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. During the trip, William shared some memories with his son.

He probably knew it would be his last time to do so. Through flashbacks, viewers found out some things about how William was raised by a single mother after his father died in the military before he was born. Therefore, William was very close to his mother until she left him in Memphis. He became involved in art, writing and music. William also shared how he met Randall's mother.

Upon their arrival in Memphis, Randall was introduced to cousin after cousin which numbered about twelve. William visited the house where he used to live even though others were living there. He also went to a club and was able to showcase his musical talent. He was on his way to fulfill some of his last wishes when he had to be rushed to the hospital.

Randall wanted to take William back home, but the doctor said he had only hours to live. Then Randall suggested that he should call his wife and have her bring the grandchildren to see William one last time. William knew it was going to be a one-way trip because he said he had given his good-byes to his grandchildren while they were sleeping.

He indicated that he wanted them to remember him standing up instead of lying down.

William dies

There was one last thing William wanted to do that he didn't get to do. Unfortunately, he didn't get to see the ducks he talked about. After William dies, the writers of "This Is Us" had a scene where William is being embraced by his mother.

As the episode ends, viewers saw Randall driving home along with a copy of the poems William had written for him many years ago.

Continue to watch "This Is Us" on NBC to find out what will happen next after the death of Randall's biological father.