John Wesley Williams

Mr. John Wesley Williams, age 80, of Gilmer, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024 in Gilmer, at home surrounded by his family.  John was born in Gilmer on July 17, 1943 to the late Robert and Johnnie Mae (Parker) Williams.  He attended school in Texas City and then married the late Joyce Williams in 1964, the day before he shipped out on the U.S.S. Chicago in the United States Navy, where he served four years and fought in the Vietnam War.  He was a devoted husband and entrepreneur, hauling pulp wood, tire shop owner, trash service owner, along with several other businesses.  John was a faithful member of Cherokee Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by his grandsons, whom he raised as his own sons, Eddie Arnold and wife Chrystal, Timothy Means, Joseph Babb and wife Jessica; nine great grandchildren, Jace Curtis, Jaxon Curtis, Tyler Tate, Abby Miller, Devon Arnold, Dixon Babb, Shylia Babb, McKenna Babb and Grayson Babb; one great-great granddaughter, Kylie Ann Miller; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

John is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 1/2 years, Joyce Faye Williams, his parents, one brother, Eddie Williams, one sister, Louise Williams, and daughter, Leslie Faye Williams.

 The family will receive friends at Croley Funeral Home of Gilmer from 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.  Services will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 11:00 am at Cherokee Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery, with Tommy Brock and Bro. Madison Caffey officiating.  Serving as pallbearers will be Eddie Arnold, Jace Curtis, Jaxon Curtis, David Maines, Jeremy Hendrix and John Hobson, as well as honorary pallbearers Kenneth Tullar and Nate Higar.