John Charles McWilliams

John Charles McWilliams obituary

John Charles McWilliams

John McWilliams Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Serenity Funeral Care on Jul. 18, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

John Charles McWilliams, 85, of Cincinnati, OH passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2025, at Georgetown Veteran's Home in Georgetown, OH. Born in Cincinnati, OH, on July 27, 1940, John was the beloved son of the late John and Martha McWilliams. A proud and decorated veteran, he served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice.

John was a proud West-Sider and devout Catholic. He graduated from Elder High School and earned a degree in accounting from Xavier University. A true Cincinnatian, John had a deep love for LaRosa's Pizza and the Cincinnati Reds. As a devoted fan, he rarely missed a game, cheering for his team with unwavering loyalty. John also possessed a keen collector's eye and had a passion for antiques and collectibles, with a particular fondness for Snoopy.

Most notably, John was a gifted and prolific musician. His talent on the piano led him to compose an original album titled Stone Healer, which he regarded as one of his proudest achievements. John was often found at the piano, immersed in the creation of new music, a passion he lovingly passed on to his daughter, Kenna.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Beth McWilliams; cherished daughters, Kenna Lee (Alexis) McWilliams and Heather (Paul) Kruger-Parsons; his brother Jim McWilliams and Linda; sister, Martha (Ted) Groene; and his adored grandsons, Max Parsons and Sam Parsons. He is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His legacy of devotion lives on in all who knew and loved him.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 1175 Overlook Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45238. In lieu of flowers, Memorials are suggested in John's name to the Wounded Warriors Project at WoundedWarriorsProject.com. Online condolences may be expressed at Facebook or at SerenityFuneralCare.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Serenity Funeral Care

40 W 6th Street, Covington, KY 41011

Make a Donation
in John McWilliams's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
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
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John McWilliams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign John McWilliams's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?