Johnny Williams

Obituary For Johnny Williams

Johnny Williams entered into Eternal Rest on Friday, August 13, 2021. John, the 5th oldest child of ten siblings, was born in Cairo, Georgia to the union of Johnnie Mae Tucker Williams and Richard Williams. There he was reared in a loving and faith-based home. He received his formative education was in the Grady County School System where he attended Washington High School and the subsequently received his high school diploma while serving his country in the United States Army. At an early age, Johnny accepted Christ early in his life. He was ordained as a Deacon at Elizabeth Avenue Weequahic Presbyterian Church in Newark, New Jersey and served as an Usher at New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina. He fellowshipped with fellow veterans at the Shaw Air Force Base Chapel in Sumter, South Carolina. Johnny was also Mason.

In 1963, Johnny, a young soldier and Rudine Holmes, a French teacher, were married. To that union, two wonderful daughters, El-Rhonda and La-Dine, were the center of their joy. The family traveled extensively throughout the United States and Germany while he served his country. In each place he was stationed, Johnny made sure his children knew the historical significance of each location. They finally made Hillside, New Jersey their home.

Johnny had an expansive career. As a young boy, Johnny always wanted to be a soldier. For two decades, he served in the military, including three tours of duty in Vietnam, before retiring with full honors as a Sergeant First Class. He then began his post-military career in the United States Postal Service and then as a logistics expert for General Motors. After retiring from General Motors, he was called to serve Escort Duty for Desert Storm, a most sensitive role as he escorted the remains of fallen soldiers. Upon leaving the service, he accepted another position to work for the newly reorganized Newark Board of Education. He officially and finally retired for the third time, and relocated with Rudine to Florence, South Carolina to be closer their grandchildren.

Johnny and Rudine were married until her passing on September 15, 2001. He thereafter continued shepherding his flock as more grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born. He was truly a doting father and grandfather and great-grandfather, cherishing each moment he spent with his loved ones and each of their accomplishments. Johnny also had a loving relationship with his daughter, Gabriel. As far as he was concerned, nothing took place that he did not know about or give counsel to. He was hands on and never let an opportunity escape from him giving you his opinion.

On January 15, 2005, Johnny was blessed again to find and marry a wonderful lady, Theresa Matthews of Lane, South Carolina In this union, he was blessed with one step-daughter, Nakell Matthews. For the next 16 and a half years, he and Theresa built a strong union and unbreakable partnership. Theresa instantly became part of the Williams family instantly spoiling the children, grandchildren and great children. They were frequently spotted in the front row at each of the children’s performances. Theresa brought him comfort when he became ill and was by Johnny’s side when he took his very last breath.

An outstanding cook, he was known for a wide range of dishes. As the family often states, Sunday was not Sunday without Uncle Johnny’s Sunday dinners. Everybody was correctly convinced he was a certified grill master and could cook anything. Sunday dinners were epic in Hillside, New Jersey.

The earthly journey for Johnny ended on Friday, August 13, 2021. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rudine Holmes Williams; his parents Richard and Johnnie Mae Tucker Williams; his siblings, Richard Jr., Freddie, Howard, Carl, Samuel, Charlie Bobby and Betty Rose; and his canine son, Champ, who is being interred with him.

His loving memories will be treasured and his legacy carried on by his wife, Theresa Williams; His children: El-Rhonda Williams Alston, Esq., Dr, La-Dine (Norman) Gamble, Gabriel Williams, and Step-daughter, Nakell Matthews; six grandchildren: Ti-Esha, Briana, Cambridge, Na-Dya, Malcolm, and Aubrionna; two great-grandchildren, Landon and Tihler; three sisters, Barbara J. Childress, Carolyn Mobley and Louise Palmer; mother-in-law, Thelma Matthews; sisters-in-law, Cynthia Matthews, Valencia Matthews, Decotia Harris, Helen Adkins, Bertha Blanchard, Nadine Pittman, Rev. Mildred Denson and Alnita Foster; and Brothers-in-law: Christopher Matthews, James Matthews, James Alfred Denson, Quintin Foster and Nathaniel Holmes; his “canine son”, Rocky, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives by choice, and friends galore. He will be greatly missed.

Whoever dwells in the shelter in the most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty