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John Williams Obituary
His company, Preferred Apartment Communities, released a statement saying employees are profoundly saddened to announce the loss of its co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer.
"The Board and the Company are indebted to Mr. Williams for his strong leadership, real estate vision, outgoing personality and boundless energy. The Board's thoughts are with John's family at this very difficult time," the statement said.
Over the course of his career, Williams directed and coordinated the development, construction, and management of more than $15 billion in real estate developments across the nation. Approximately $5.5 billion of this activity has focused on multifamily housing, and the rest was in property such as hotels, condominiums and offices.
Williams founded an iconic Atlanta company, Post Properties, in 1970. It had more than 30,000 apartments. He took Post Properties public as a REIT in 1993 and left the company in 2003.
A celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Monday, Apr. 23, 2018 at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.
A private entombent is planned at Arlington Memorial Park.
RELATED: Read the family-placed obituary for John A. Williams
Read more about John Williams on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for John Williams
82 Entries
Jeff Hartert
June 2, 2025
I was reminiscing about my early work days at Post Properties- missing John´s guidance, energy and smile. The work place today is nothing like John´s vision. I sure miss the teamwork, camaraderie and fun. Thank You for providing for my family for 28 years- we miss you & Post. Rest in Peace John!!!!
Bryan Maurice Bellipanni
July 6, 2021
I am truly sorry for your loss of treasured loved ones. I only found out this morning. I started my career with Post Properties. I remember Mr. John , Mr. Terry , Mr. Glen , Mike White , all of the managers , both on management, & maintenance. I have come a long way , since started my career in security access control industry.
I applied with Post University, Connecticut:England. I also applied with Colorado Technical University. I will study cyber security engineering ` Homeland Security. I requested Colorado add Post University, to our network, for recognition of Mr. John , as well as , Post Properties involvement in Perimeter Access Management Systems (P.A.M.S.) . I work & think of the way I was brought into the industry. I espero ,by continuing my education , I can honor his legacy proudly with dignity , pride , trustworthiness, hard work , due diligence on the smallest details . Atemberuabend is my thoughts of all involved. Squisita, is a way I look at software\software engineering for the tip point of data communication for any security access control entrance.
Multi Cuore, Herz, & Blessins for all the Tulips representatives.
Non Desistas : Non Exieris
Non Deficere
H.U.A.
Humble ;Understanding;Always
My heart is with you all ,
Bryan Maurice Bellipanni
Senior Engineer
Roving Troubleshooter
Cyber Security\Heimet/Maison/Casa-Land
Carole Gaddis
February 16, 2019
I worked for John Williams as a property manager at Post Properties. I will always remember him as the best employer I ever had. His interest and care for each and every employee was unbelievable. He remembered everyone and knew each of us well. My heart goes out to Nancy and his extended family. If I can make it to Atlanta you will see me in April to honor this man I thought so much of. I am deeply saddened by this news.
John was a customer and great friend for over 40 years. I was a great positive example for many Atlanta businessmen. He will be greatly missed.
Aaron Meyers
August 15, 2018
Carolyn Mowry
July 19, 2018
It was a pleasure working for you on your beautiful Falcon 50. You were always smiling and a joy to be around.RIP Mr.Williams
S T
April 30, 2018
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. Thinking of John's family & friends and praying for God to comfort them.
2Thessalonian 2:16,17.
April 29, 2018
To the family and friends please accept my condolences Know that the God of all comfort feel your pain and sorrows. Isaiah 61:1,2 reads: He sent me (Jesus Christ) to bind up the broken hearted and to comfort all who mourn.
April 28, 2018
With heartfelt sympathy. Please accept my deepest condolences. May you continue to cherish his precious memories together. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort to offer you comfort and the strength to endure during these difficult times ahead.
Carolyn Bass
April 26, 2018
To the Family of Mr. Williams. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Terry Thomas
April 23, 2018
So very sad to hear this news....I was a part of the POST family and John was so inspiring to me...He was a great person to work for and to know personally...I will never forget the POST PROMISE! RIP John A. Willaims.
April 23, 2018
Family and others,
I was there at the beginning. In 71 or 72 I met John. I was just out of college and working in a small Marietta savings and loan. My boss said we need to make this loan on a one of John's early Post apartment communities. It was 40 units and a $200,000 loan. I think it was his first. At the time that was a big loan for a small S&L. On Spring Road near Elmans and Cumberland Mall. Later we made a loan on his house on Paper Mill. It had a slide into the swimming pool.
I was just getting started on my career and John on his. Today at the end of his I reflect on our 40+ years. Mine was great but nothing like his. All I can say today is he did his thing big and I wish I had. He was the ultimate entrepreneur and visionary. After a lifetime of work I realize how we both did our thing. His bigger than mine but sorta the same. Bless John Williams for creating so many jobs for so many and changing the Atlanta landscape.
Anonymous
Anonymous.
Polly Butler Jette
April 23, 2018
I am so very sorry for the unexpected loss of John. I have always been very proud to be a part of the Williams skiing branch of the family. I have 20 years of funny, crazy, fond memories and stories that were made possible by John (and Nancy) Williams . I was always grateful to have been honored to be around John's incredible personality, wisdom and stories in the intamate family setting of their mountain home resort. His greatest gifts to me where the lessons of his family and work values, and the adventures he allowed myself and my family to have outside of our mountain home on his beautiful yachts. The William's have been and always will be my favorite Deer Valley family. I'll miss you John. My thoughts are with your family everyday.
Douglas Greene
April 23, 2018
Condolences to the Williams family.
Thank you for hiring me Nancy.
John was the entrepreneur who did it first and always in a first class manner. Other apartment communities attempted to imitate and market as a brand. Always epic failures as they lacked John. The tulip wilts.
Randy Gordy
April 23, 2018
Condolences to the family!!
I worked with John for several years as a supplier.
Carol Hickerson
April 23, 2018
Just want you to know, I am praying for your family. My daughter, Cheri Boettcher, many of times, expressed, how kind the John Williams' family has been to her.Thank you! My name is Carol Hickerson, I live in Kingston, Washington. My sincere condolences to your family.
April 22, 2018
My sincere condolences to each of you for your loss of your beloved John.
James Butler
April 22, 2018
I worked for john for 18 years.he was a real leader. Was taken to soon and Atlanta will miss him
Mike Terry
April 22, 2018
Mr. Williams was a true visionary and a southern gentleman as well. It was an always an honor to work on his well designed Cobb County projects. He will be missed.
Mike Terry / Cobb Planning Commission
April 21, 2018
My condolences to the William family, may the God of comfort be with you at this difficult time.
Dawn Hodges
April 20, 2018
I was lucky enough to work with John at Corporate Holdings. He was a great person and will be missed. Please know you have my deepest sympathy. May the peace of God comfort you through this most difficult time.
April 20, 2018
Offering my deepest sympathy to the Williams family. May the peace of God comfort you through this most difficult time.
Kim Ford
April 20, 2018
Maria (Rodi) Rodeghiero
April 20, 2018
So very sorry for the loss of a really wonderful gentleman.
Kim Ford
April 19, 2018
I am so sorry Williams family. I will always have the best (and funniest) memories from my days aboard the Williams' yachts. I feel so lucky to have known John "Affable" Williams. Love to your family, Kim Ford
April 19, 2018
John came to Candler & Griffith in 1966 to handle the apartment division. I was with Leroy Vanover, the "in house Architect". John gave me the leeway to design a premier luxury apartment project which is Rivercrest on the south bank of the Chattahoochee in Roswell. After going to Houston & seeing the extensive landscaping, John gave ma an entirely different design format to design the first Post Apartments which were on Memorial Dr. After that, I pursued my Architectural Co. on Jan.2,1971 & with what I had learned, started developing condominiums in mid 1972. Early on I recognized that John had extraordinary vision & was able to masterfully bring it to fruition. I Never saw anyone do it better. He is such a major loss. Lamar Cheatham
Anna Rice Maddox
April 19, 2018
Truly a man who will live on in the works of others for whom he mentored. A great legacy to leave as he was a great teacher and leader of his craft. My brother Krieg Rice worked for Post for many moons and was always so proud to say what a GRAND company and Post Family he worked with. A loss for this world..a gain for Heaven. Rest in Peace Sir...a job well done !
Anna Rice Maddox
Fayetteville, Ga.
Gladys Mahaffey
April 19, 2018
There no place like Post John will be miss he made me feel like part of post family .We have loss a great man . Prayers and condolences to John Williams family
Joan Leonard
April 18, 2018
Nancy, I was so sad to hear about your loss. Susan, Tracy and Bob have lost a great mentor and even greater friend and will miss him terribly. Thinking of you and your family. Fondly, Joan Leonard (Tracy's and Susan's mom.j
Tad Henderson
April 18, 2018
Prayers and condolences to the Williams family.
John OBrien
April 18, 2018
So saddened to hear this news. Nancy, please know that The OBrien Family is praying for you and your family at this difficult time. John was so good to Kelly during her years at Post and we have very fond memories of our times together. God Bless you all and may you find comfort in the Lord.
Charlie Turner
April 18, 2018
It was a privilege and an honor to work for someone who saw well beyond the immediate and who moved like there was no tomorrow. Rest in peace, sir. Post Landscape 1979 - 1986
Joanne and William Leslie
April 17, 2018
God Bless the Williams family. Thank you for your kindness to our family. Our condolences, The Leslie family❤
J. Martinez
April 17, 2018
A terrible loss for all those of us who had the privilege to come in contact with mr. William. Our thoughts and prayers for the family in this sad time. Thank you john for have had the opportunity to work for you.
Jay McDonald
April 17, 2018
John was a pioneer in the apartment industry, a major benefactor for Georgia Tech and for Cobb County, and key ingredient in the growth of Atlanta. His warm smile and welcoming personality always made everyone feel special. He made a huge difference in the lives of so many, while always remembering his roots and remaining humble. Rest In Peace John. My condolences Nancy to you and your family. I'm grateful for knowing such a special man.
Cindy Leach
April 17, 2018
There is and was "No Place Like Post"....I am beyond saddened and heart broken with the news of our devastating loss. Sending so much strength, peace and comfort to Nancy and the Williams' family...please know that we are all so grateful for the time spent with John, the most amazing visionary, eternal optimist, mentor and the driving spirit behind much of our own successes...I understand how blessed we all are to have been a part of his family. Today, I celebrate the life and gift of our "One and Only" John A. Williams.
Linda and Doug Chalker
April 17, 2018
My condolences to the Williams family. I worked for Post for 31 years. As a Gold Post winner John made sure that my husband and I had the best time of our lives. He was an incredible man to work for, and I'm so proud to be a part of the Post family. Cobb County and the Apartment Association have lost the best.
Charlene Nix
April 17, 2018
My family and I share our deepest sympathy with Nancy and the family at their sudden loss of John. He and Ken had a long history going back to the early 60s when they worked at the Campbellton YMCA in SW ATL while they were both in college. John was always Kens buddy, his confidant, and his supporter, and Ken loved being Santa at his staff Christmas parties. John is going to be missed by so many.
Most sincerely,
Charlene Nix
Mary Michael McLaney
April 17, 2018
Sending my thoughts and prayers ! I had the pleasure of being apart of the Post family from 1982 to 1991! I thought the world of John!
Jean Parker
April 17, 2018
John was filled with love & compassion for his family & community. He was a wonderful example of a man walking the Christian life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Dorian Sledz Beighley
April 17, 2018
Dear Nancy and family,
My heart breaks with the news about John. Although I haven't seen him (and you) on years, my memories of Post are deep in my heart. A company that surpassed all others in the apartment industry, was all because of John's amazing vision. He was fun, kind and forever giving people the opportunity to shine. He truly was one of a kind and the world is just a little dimmer. I'm praying that your memories sustain you as you deal with this tremendous loss.
Scott Kowalczyk
April 17, 2018
My ex-wife Martha Logan was his head of apartment property management at Post in the 1990s. She worked closely with him, and I had pleasant experiences with him and his wife Nancy at company functions and trips. He had no fear. He never gave up, and did not quit. He wrote a lot of big checks to - - among others - - improve the lives of his employees, support the good work of Georgia Tech, and make Cobb County a better and more pleasant place to work and live. But he went way beyond just writing big checks, he gave time, attention, personal involvement, and caring. A visionary who could turn visions into reality, a rare skill. A big loss. Heartfelt condolences to the Williams family.
Sylvia Lagerberg
April 17, 2018
Great man! Rest In Peace,
You're Home Now!
Sylvia Lagerberg
Annette Rio
April 17, 2018
My heart felt condolences to Nancy and children at the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. My heart is very saddened by your loss.
Debra Johnson
April 17, 2018
Cobb County would have been a lesser place without the vision of John Williams. Rest in peace. Job well done.
Judge Marvin S. Arrington, Sr. (Ret.)
April 17, 2018
Please know that the Williams family has my deepest sympathy in your time sorrow.
Sally Myers
April 17, 2018
I enjoyed 10 years at a Post Property when I first moved to the area. Sorry to hear of Mr. Williams passing. My sympathy to his family.
Marc Slavny
April 17, 2018
I will always remember John. From my early career days with Arthur Andersen. John was an important client. To my years with J.P. Turner, where I worked closely with John. I always enjoyed his company. There is a picture of us hanging on the esteemed wall at Chops.
I will deeply miss him.
Laura Lynn W. Jordan
April 17, 2018
To Nancy and Children,
It was a tremendous honor to work for Post as well as for your family. John was a kind and energetic leader who will be greatly missed. Sending love.
A memorable event with John
Marc Slavny
April 17, 2018
Matt Waters
April 17, 2018
I was set up for an internship a few summers ago at PAC by a mutual friend of ours. I walked in for the initial interview and expecting to speak with a marketing manager or someone of a similar role. However, John Williams walked in and I was amazed. The fact that the man who presides over the entire company could take a few minutes and meet with someone who had just finished his junior year of college really speaks to the type of dedication he had to his company as well as each of his employees. It was only a summer internship, but that short time will stick with me forever as an example of how to not just run a company, but of how to treat each and every individual within the company and beyond with a tremendous amount of respect. Condolences to Williams family on their loss.
Lamont Duffie
April 17, 2018
Sad to hear my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
April 17, 2018
I moved to Atlanta after college in the Fall of 1967 and opened, Tom James Custom Clothing at 91 Peachtree Street.
Our store was across from the Equitable Building, were the central city park is now in downtown Atlanta.
I met John in the early 70"s and he soon became my very best client. At that time, I believe Post had less than a handful of employees and were developing small apartment communities. They were forced to sell each one as it
was built out because they did not have a strong enough financial statement to keep them under management.
Over the years, John referred dozens of great clients to me and was responsible for millions of dollars of fine clothing sales for our company, TOMJAMES.COM
After major heart problems and a 33 day stay at Saint Josephs, I retired from Tom James at the end of 2008.
John continued to be a wonderful Tom James client buying every season.
John was a friend and an awesome inspiration to me as I built my business over 40 years. He will be greatly missed.
My heart goes out to Nancy and the family. We are praying for you.
Aaron Meyers
Frances and Tomm Clark
April 17, 2018
Frances and I are so sorry for your loss. Pops was a great philantropist and visonary. We know his passing will be a great loss to his wonderful family and friends as well as all of Atlanta. Thanks for the memories.
Sylvia Lutz
April 17, 2018
Condolences to the William's family. Worked for John and Post Properties for almost 17 years. Was a lot of fun working there in the early years. He did a lot for the apartment communities in Atlanta and other areas too. He will be missed.
Gwen Herndon
April 17, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family. He will be truly missed.
April 17, 2018
I am sadden to hear of the passing of John. My brother has worked for John at PAC for many years in Atlanta as one of the business managers. He began with John while living in Nashville starting at Post. Living here in Naples Florida , I have been able to see a beautiful community developed by PAC and I know all of PAC is so sad at his passing.
Matt Peele
April 17, 2018
I had the privilege of working closely with John and PAC in numerous events highlighting his employees and the incredible growth of their company. John was always full of life and full of creative ideas on how to bring about remarkable experiences. His energy and passion will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family as well as his broader family at PAC.
Janet Newman
April 17, 2018
Atlanta and all of Georgia has suffered a great loss in the passing of this great man.
David Whittaker
April 17, 2018
Deepest condolences to Nancy and the family. I am and always will consider myself a 'Post Guy'. Very proud to have been able to be a part of something so great led by an even greater person. John was referred to as the 'penny man' at my house because he would give my son a penny to throw into the fountain at Riverside. My family and I and others owe a great debt of gratitude to Mr. Williams for providing a great place to spend a career and provide for our families. Well respected, very loved and deeply missed...Rest Easy John
April 17, 2018
My deepest sympathies and condolences goes out to the Williams family I meant Mr Williams in 1991 we are work for Post Properties for 13 years he was a good man he was a proud man he threw us some of the best Christmas party that you would ever see he will be missed Nancy God bless you my name is Gary Patterson from Stone Mountain Georgia God bless you John Williams rest in peace
Laura Freeman
April 17, 2018
Matt and I are grateful to have met John through Cathy and Chip. We are so sad to hear this news. His legacy of giving and his heart for improving the lives of others is an inspiration of how to live to give.
John Veazey
April 17, 2018
Sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
BJ Lopez
April 17, 2018
Sincerest condolences to the Williams Family and friends. There are not enough good things to say about John Williams. His passing will leave many broken hearts and a great void in many aspects of the business world and Atlanta. May he Rest In Peace.
Don Warren
April 17, 2018
It was very sad to learn about John's passing. Working at Post Properties under John's leadership was a pleasure. My condolences to the family.
Will Anderson
April 17, 2018
I met Mr. Williams several times at functions, and he was always polite to me, and interested in my life. He encouraged me greatly, and gave me wise advice. Besides this, I have performed at the Energy center in the theatre of his namesake, and was always grateful for his philanthropy and support of the arts. Saddened to hear of his passing. Atlanta has lost a titan of our community.
Harry Wharton
April 16, 2018
Sorry To Hear About John William's Passing
Today, My Brother who Works for PAC
Texted Me The News Today of John's Passing
Post Properties was The Best Place to Work in The Atlanta Apartment Area
Harry Wharton.
Brian & Kathi Barker
April 16, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the Williams family.
Leon Novak
April 16, 2018
My sincerest condolences to the family...may his memory always be for a blessing
April 16, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family.
Blessings.
Amen.
Brother Ben of Atlanta
JULIET MICHAEL
April 16, 2018
I worked with John at Post Properties for almost eighteen years. I am so saddened to hear of this news. Thoughts and payers go to his family.
Karen Graham
April 16, 2018
So saddened by John's passing. He was a wonderful and thoughtful boss. I have known him since 1978 when I first went to work at Post Properties. My thoughts and prayers are lifted up for Nancy and her family.
Gloria Strickland
April 16, 2018
My prayers and thoughts go out to John's family. Such a shock. As a Post employee from the early days, I just can't imagine the
apartment industry without John. He did so much to advance the careers of so many. He will be greatly missed.
R Johnson
April 16, 2018
My Condolences
Paul Ringer
April 16, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family.John was a great man an awsome business man.RIP John
Chad Buckles
April 16, 2018
Post Properties is where I began my career in the multi-family industry. John was always courteous and encouraging. I'm proud to say I worked at Post while he was still leading the company. God speed Mr. Williams.
Billy Baxter
April 16, 2018
Millie and I are so saddened by Johns passing and we just want to tell Nancy and the rest of the family how sorry for their loss.
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Memorial Events
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Apr
23
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Peachtree Presbyterian Church
GA 30328
Funeral services provided by:
H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel173 Allen Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30328
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