Joseph Ross Williams, Jr.

Joseph Ross Williams, Jr., 82, passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on January 24, 2021. Joe was born on May 12, 1938 and was a lifelong resident of Pensacola.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Ross Williams, Sr. and Agnes Bruno Williams, and sister, Barbara Williams Hubbard Wimer.

Joe met the love of his life, Elaine Weekley Williams, in junior high school. They were high school sweethearts and married for sixty-three years. Joe and Elaine have five children: David Williams (Joyce), Jeff Williams (Nancy), Scott Williams (Martha), Ginny Stevens (Steve), and Andy Williams (Debbie); thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Raymond Williams (Mary Ann) and sister, Beverly Markel (Jim), as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.

After graduating from Pensacola High School in 1956, Joe attended Tulane University. He worked at American Cynamid for 23 years before embarking on a successful journey of entrepreneurship. He founded Lawn Master, Inc. in 1981, which is still operated by his family today. Joe held leadership roles in several professional lawn care associations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the Florida Turfgrass Association, and the Green Industry Expo. He was also a past President of the Alabama Turfgrass Association.

A man of great faith, Joe was a charter member of St. Paul Catholic Church and served as a Sacristan for many years. He was one of the first football coaches at St. Paul Catholic School and coached numerous youth sports teams, including Bill Bond Baseball. He later became the first athletic director at St. Paul’s.

As a young boy, living on Bayou Texar, he spent countless hours water skiing, and maintained a lifelong passion for fishing and crabbing along the beaches of Pensacola. An avid outdoorsman, Joe enjoyed many memorable days hunting and camping with his brother-in-law and father-in-law, and later with his children and grandchildren.

His love for the outdoors and his family led to the purchase of property on the Santa Rosa Sound where he and his family, and numerous friends who are like family, have spent countless weekends and holidays filled with laughter and love.

Pallbearers will be Matt Williams, Rhett Williams, Ben Stevens, Joseph Stevens, Chad Myers, Justin Hodges, Jimmy McHenry, and Stephen Tipton.

The Williams family would like to give a special thanks to the doctors and staff at the Woodlands Medical Specialists for their compassionate care over the last year.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Paul Catholic Church, 3131 Hyde Park Rd., Pensacola, FL 32503, in his name.

Due to Covid restrictions, Joe will be honored with a Private Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The mass will be Live Streamed on Saturday, January 30th at 10 am for anyone who would like to attend virtually. Join at the link below:

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