John Austin Williams

John Austin Williams, lovingly known as "Johnny" or "Coconut," passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, at the age of 43. Born in Honduras on December 18, 1981, John was adopted into the Williams family at a year old, and thereafter enriched them all with joy, laughter, and love. John threw himself fully into every facet of his life: his relationships, his hobbies, and his career. He was a dedicated truck driver for Old Dominion Freight Lines, and he took pride in his work and made a name for himself as an outstanding employee.

John certainly loved his toys, as he was undoubtedly a kid at heart. His home decor is predominantly Legos, one of his favorite collections and pastimes. He was also enamored with fast cars, especially his Audis, which were a source of excitement and pride. He was a film enthusiast as well. He loved all manner of movies, both old and new. He especially appreciated the Marvel movies, maybe because he shared so many qualities with some of his favorite superheroes. His strength, bravery, and humility through his battle with cancer are a testament to his character, as he never focused on how his illness impacted him, but instead remained more concerned with how his experiences affected those he loved.

Even more than his toys, John cherished the people in his life. He had a unique gift for keeping connections alive-whether through visiting across the miles with friends all over the globe, regular visits, calls, and texts with family, or religiously attending family reunions. Family was at the center of John's life. He and his father, David, "Papi", shared an inseparable bond as best friends who did everything together. Visiting his cherished mother, Mary, in her care facility was always a priority. John was also especially close with his "bro", Christian, and his sister-in-law Amanda, and treasured time spent with his nieces and nephews-Sutton, Maddox, and Amelia-who greatly enriched his life. Grandma Liz Williams was another constant source of love and comfort, and there are countless aunts, uncles, and cousins who were part of the inextricable family bond that Johnny continuously strengthened. John also shared a special relationship with his girlfriend, Eva Serra, who stood by his side when he needed her most.

The loyalty and love that John's family and friends feel for him is a direct reflection of the compassion and care with which he fostered every single relationship he had. The way he tackled every day of his life with zeal inspired all those around him to find joy even in the hardest of times. He was remarkable and is irreplaceable, but his impact is deeply ingrained in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date and time.