John M. Williams, 87, of Nashville went to be with his Lord and with his wife on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, at home with his family by his side.
He was born on July 1, 1933 in Charleston, Miss., to the late Thomas Halyard Williams and Lona Mae Purvis.
He was a member, former elder and Bible class teacher at the Sunset Church of Christ in Nashville. He was an avid fisherman and gardener, and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and baking coconut cakes in his free time. He was a talented woodworker. He loved to sit and watch the birds gather on his many bird feeders (but not squirrels!). He also enjoyed being involved with the local school system; in addition to donating school supplies and providing treats for teachers, he was fond of calling bingo at the local elementary school each spring. Above all, he was an affectionate, compassionate father and grandfather. A true patriarch of his family, he loved unconditionally.
Mr. Williams was preceded in death in 2009 by his wife of 55 years, Bobilea Magness Williams; she was the joy of his life, and he is now undoubtedly rejoicing in their sweet heavenly reunion.
He leaves behind six children, including Gregg and wife Teresa Williams of Martin, Tenn.; Reneé and husband John Tolbert of Milton, Fla.; Laura Williams of Newton, Miss.; Gary and wife Lisa Williams of Fort Worth, Texas.; Kevin and wife Lyn Williams of Ashland City, Tenn.; and David and wife Tina Williams of Nashville, Ark.
His 13 grandchildren include Kyle Williams, Heather Williams Barner, Jennifer Tolbert, Amanda Smith Taylor, Dustin Smith, Emily Williams, Olivia Williams, Caleb Williams, Chloe Williams, Clint Williams, Jerod Williams, Matthew Williams and Zack Williams.
Eight great grandchildren include Emma Barner, Avri Anderson, Jonathan Anderson, Cade Spears, Jacob Taylor, Aidan Taylor, Alivia Williams and Jemma Williams.
He also leaves a host of family and friends too numerous to name.
Services and interment were Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Restland Memorial Park under the direction of Nashville Funeral Home, with James Jamison, Jr., and Robert Womack officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Children’s Homes, Inc., in Paragould, Ark.; Southern Christian Home in Morrilton, Ark.; or the India missions at the Sunset Church of Christ in Nashville.
