Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Sheriff Williams Obituary
Sheriff John "Big John" Williams, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2019. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 2, 2019 @ 11:00 a.m. at the Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery, AL 36107. Burial will follow in the McQueen Cemetery, Hayneville, AL. Body will lie in repose on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Hayneville Middle School, 101 W Lafayette St, Hayneville, AL 36040 from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Bell Funeral Home-Hayneville, AL directing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sheriff Williams
Sponsored by Bell Funeral Home.
SFC (r) Joel Smith
November 20, 2023
A friend from SFC (r) Smith-JROTC
John causey
June 12, 2020
Man what a loss!!! Great man, husband, and father. Truly loved his community and was the first one to wrap his arms around me and daddys funeral! He was no doubt family. Truly truly missed! I love you big john. John Causey
WillieMae Duncan
December 6, 2019
Earth has no Sorrow That Heaven cannot Heal!
Rest well Sheriff Williams!!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Rebecca S. Brooks
December 6, 2019
To the family, my deepest sympathy and prayers
are with you all. I am lost with words but I must say that "Big" John will always be missed from the public when you saw John that smiling face, respect and a lovely personality you would have to love him and give him the same respect not because of his title but such a loving and caring person.
I will always remember him as not a friend but one like in my family. I love you my brother because he would always say hello my sister how are you is everything ok those words will forever remain in my heart.
Rebecca Sanders Brooks
Melcinie Posey
December 4, 2019
Praying for you all. Big John was the one you saw at all funerals directing. He was a great person and will be missed.
WillieMae Duncan
December 4, 2019
Rest well Sheriff Big John Williams Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal!!!!!
December 3, 2019
✝✝✝
Virginia Knox-/Nesbitt
Montgomery, Alabama
Valerie Oviatt
December 3, 2019
Rest gently sir. They will salute you as you enter the gates of Heaven.
Charlisa Swanzy
December 2, 2019
To Sheriff Williams' family:
While I did not know Sheriff Williams personally, EVERYTHING I've heard and read attests to what a FINE and HONORABLE man he was. He was a FANTASTIC law enforcement officer and U. S. Marine. I am SO VERY SORRY for your loss, and ALL of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I dedicated my 11-24 Sunday school lesson to Sheriff Williams' memory. Thank you ALL as you served right along with Sheriff Williams.
With deepest sympathies,
Lisa Swanzy
Newbern & Opelika, AL
Gwen Bonner
December 2, 2019
The Northeast Alabama Chapter of Alabama Retired State Employees' Association send our condolences to the family, friends and Lowndes County S.O. as you mourn the loss of your Husband, Father and Sheriff
(loved one).
May you cherish the memories and the love.
"Big John" left in your heart.
We share in your grief and send our love.
Extending Deep Sympathy
Lt. George Thorpe - President
D.L. Examiner11 Gwendolyn M. Bonner - V.P.
Trooper James Johnson
Secretary/Treasurer
Chaplain Gary Cardwell
Carolyn Gibson
December 2, 2019
My thoughts & prayers are with you all during this sad loss of your friend, & loved one!! May the God of Peace wrap you all in his arms of Love today, & in the days to follow!! I have heard so many wonderful stories of his kindness to all who knew him! I am touched & moved by losing such a great man!!
Von Tyus
December 2, 2019
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. May God comfort you. Von Tyus,
In Honor of Sheriff Big John Williams
Tony BrakeField
December 2, 2019
Sonja Johnson
December 2, 2019
My condolences to Big John family and friends. May GOD give you strength and guide you during your time of need
Debra Smith
December 2, 2019
Big John was a good person. You don't meet people like him often. Although he will be missed here on earth, God's son is with him now.
May God Bless His Family during this time!
Weeping comes this day but joy comes in the morning. Sometimes those days last longer, but joy will still come in the morning.
Rosie Rudolph
December 2, 2019
Our condolences & prayers for The Family Of Sheriff Big John Williams & Friends Praying for consolation during this time In The Name Of Jesus Amen Gone But Never Forgotten FROM THE RUDOLPH FAMILY IN THE RUDOLPH COMMUNITY OF LOWNDES COUNTY
Tamara Johnson
December 2, 2019
Our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, community and all that came in contact with Sheriff Big John in some special way. May God continue to keep His Loving arms around you and strengthen you during this time, the days ahead, and thereafter.
Jerome & Tamara Johnson
Montgomery, Alabama
Alicia Gordon
December 2, 2019
May God give you strength during this difficult time
Henry & Alicia Gordon and Family
SFC (r) Joel Smith
December 2, 2019
I am and was very sadden and my wife and I would like to send a prayer to GOD for the family. Big John and I meet and became friends since 1993 and since then we shared many conversations over the years I am going to miss seeing him upon my return he was a fixture in the Hayneville community.
Shereeta Rose
December 2, 2019
My deepest sympathies to the Williams family. Weeping may endure for a night but joy surely comes in the morning.
Jerry Smith
December 2, 2019
My condolences to the family,big john will be missed but never forgotten.a legacy that will live forever.45 strong
Lakendria Sims
December 2, 2019
May you Rest In Peace.
Ebony & Austin Crusoe
December 2, 2019
Prayers and Sympathy coming from the Crusoe Family. May God strengthen the Family in their time of need.
PASTOR WILLIE SMITH
December 2, 2019
sheriff William will be miss around Hayneville. by the member of new salem Christian church .may the GOD of heaven and earth be with his family forever in JESUS NAME.
Clara Edwards
December 1, 2019
To the Williams family:
Remember earth have no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Clara McQueenEdwards
Janie Shelby
December 1, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Williams Family Members. May loving memories ease your loss and bring you comfort. Words can't adequately express the feeling of sadness at the loss of my Home Town Sheriff John Williams. May the Lord bring comfort to your hearts and many happy memories to your mind as you go through this time of sorrow. Janie Rudolph Shelby Tacoma,WA
Donald Givan
December 1, 2019
REST IN HEAVEN ( BIG JOHN ).
YOU ARE TRULY A LEDGEN. PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL .
Ira Johnson
December 1, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the Williams family. Praying for your family.
Chief Deputy Marshal Earl Marsh
December 1, 2019
To the Williams family, I will truly miss talking to the Sheriff early in the morning when i'm going to work. I learned a great deal about law enforcement from him . He convinced Sheriff Vaughner to hire me in 1996 and he's the reason for my success in this profession. RIP my battle .
Ruth Billingsley
December 1, 2019
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and the Lowdnes County sheriff dept. Praying that God will comfort you during this difficult time.
Rocco Cavaluzzi
November 30, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family and our Brothers in the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department. Rest in Peace, Brother. May God bless you and reward your service.
Clementine Gilmer
November 30, 2019
With deepest sympathy to the Williams family
Agnita Rivers
November 30, 2019
To the family of the late great I mean great big John Williams.look to the hills witch commith your help all of your help commith from the Lord.trust in the Lord he will never leave you. Love Mr.@ Mrs joe Lee Rivers @ family your love one will never be forgotten.
Tenika Williams
November 30, 2019
I'm so so sorry for your loss. My condolences goes out to you and your family! May God continue give this family strength through this difficult time.
Mr. Gerri Givhan
November 30, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family, Lowndes County Sheriff Department, friends and the entire Lowndes County community. Sheriff "Big John" Williams was a true example of what is good and honorable in humanity. He demonstrated the journey was more important than the destination. May God continue to keep and comfort all during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Fannie Sharpe Adams
November 30, 2019
Lowndes County will miss your shining light. As the People Sheriff you made a difference in each and every life you touched. Rest well!
Beverly & Levi Robinson
November 29, 2019
I am sorry to hear of your loss...My heart goes out to you and your family.May God bless and give you comfort.
Beverly Robinson
November 29, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss.My condolences to you and your family.
Lionel and Ethel Young
November 29, 2019
Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. John was a wonderful person who will be missed. We are praying for strength and peace for you and your family during this difficult time.
Martha Hassan
November 29, 2019
Big John, we miss you may God give the family peace and strength at this time: RIP.
Ursula Broaden
November 29, 2019
My deepest sympathy is with the Williams family..
Mark Coleman
November 28, 2019
My deepest sympathy.
Rest in Peace
DJ Freeman
November 28, 2019
No words can express what I , the Community and others who knew and admired and respected "BIG JOHN" can be conveyed...Sad day! Prayers being said for the family ,all Law Enforcement and all who were fortunate to know him.....
Linda Watts
November 28, 2019
You were loved and respected by so many people but as senseless as your death was we need you to hold this candle and guide us through this.
Linda Watts
November 28, 2019
My son and I moved here couple years ago. Our home was broken into several times and instead of a sheriff coming Big John came himself.
We are white but he never saw color and was so polite and really cared about our situation. He never saw you as a case number but as a friend and someone that needed his help.
He will be greatly missed and I hope his replacement is as courteous and wonderful as Big John.
John Harrington
November 27, 2019
Sheriff Big John Williams family is in our Thoughts and Prayers! I worked with Big John Williams in 2003 for about 8 months. He was a Great man and Great Sheriff!
November 27, 2019
Hearing about this was hard to digested. Never met you but heard so many wonderful things about you as a person. You have worked so many years in something that you loved the most, and that is nothing but respect for you. R.i.p Sheriff Williams. From Montgomery County Detention Facility Employee
Marilyn Mealing
November 27, 2019
My Condolences to the Williams family. I Pray that God will give you all the strength to endure during this very trying time.
Janice Montgomery
November 27, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time..
Judge Smith
November 27, 2019
Rest on sir. Judge Smith, Sr. and family.
The Rudolph Family
November 27, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers go out to The Williams Family at this time. May God bless and strengthen you all. (The Rudolph Family)
Wanda Tarrance-Steele
November 27, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Williams family and the Lowndes County community! Big John will truly be missed!
Pearlie Lane
November 27, 2019
Condolences To My Family, RIH CUZ YOU TRULY WILL BE MISSED❤
Kiesha Jones
November 27, 2019
All of my life you've been in law enforcement. This was not your job because you loved helping and serving others. For this we are truly thankful. May you forever Rest in Paradise. Thank you for your service Sheriff Big John Williams.
Daren Marshall
November 27, 2019
To the Family,
THANKS for sharing Sheriff Big John with the community. Thank you SIR for your many years of services to the country. May his love live on in each of your hearts. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Rest In Peace.
Fredra Braxton
November 27, 2019
My condolences to the Williams family, the Lowndes County family and all that knew and love him, you will be truly truly truly MISSED!
Ursula Broaden
November 27, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the Williams Family. My prayers are with you.
CHANTE GASTON
November 27, 2019
RiP Big John, u will be missed greatly
Will Hamm
November 27, 2019
Rest In Peace. You fought a good fight and made a difference that will be felt for generations to come. I salute you!!
CATHERINE THOMAS
November 26, 2019
To: The Williams Family, May the love, strength, comfort, and peace be with you now and during your darkest days in bereavement. May God Bless and keep all of you. My deepest condolences and prayers to you and Hayneville community. I am truly sorry for your loss.
R.I.P., Sheriff Williams
Brenda Lewis
November 26, 2019
With Deepest Sympathy. My Brother In Blue.. Take Your Honor !!
Johnnie Mae Bussey
November 26, 2019
My Condolences to family and friends. Thanks for your service. R.I.P.
Dorothy Provitt
November 26, 2019
To the Williams family Big John was an amazing person one of a kind. He did great thing for the community. I am going to miss my cuz. RIP Big John
Dorothy Williams
November 26, 2019
Rest in peace I salute you with Four Stars no one was like you .We all going to mis you. God will hold your family together. God Bless them.
Evangeline Daniels
November 26, 2019
To the family of Sheriff Williams.
Remember the good and wonderful times with your loved one for he's with his Lord and Savior and he's smiling down on the world.
Evangeline Daniels Ramer, Alabama
Leadership Graduation - 2012
Otto Hanak
November 26, 2019
As a newly elected Texas Sheriff, I met Sheriff Williams in 2012 as we were both selected to attend the Executive Leadership program at the National Sheriff's Institute in Colorado. Without a doubt, and once meeting Sheriff Williams, one would not soon forget that meeting. He was such a warm and wonderful man that had a heart of gold. The world was a much better place with Sheriff Williams and we have all lost a great and honorable man.
God bless the Williams Family and God bless the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office,
Sheriff Otto H. Hanak
Brenham, Texas
Showing 1 - 80 of 80 results
Make a Donation
in Sheriff Williams's name
Memorial Events
for Sheriff Williams
How to support Sheriff's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sheriff Williams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
