John G Williams

Remembering John G. Williams
April 28th, 1956 - October 18th, 2025
John left us in Nashville on October 18th, and the house suddenly feels a little quieter without his steady laugh. He was a loving husband to Vera Williams, a proud dad to Eric Williams-Farris and Alfonzo Williams, who could always be counted on for one more story or joke.
Born in Monrovia, Liberia, John grew up with his late mother, Mushie Williams and 4 siblings, cheering him on in everything he tried. He came to Tennessee for school, earning a bachelor's degree in science from Tennessee State University in 1988, and kept that welcoming spirit all his life. After graduating from college he went to work for Sheraton Hotels for 30 years.
John and Vera built a warm home where friends felt like family. No matter how busy he was, he never missed a chance for sports. He enjoyed a good soccer game, was a devoted Cowboys and Lakers fan and liked to watch an intense tennis match.
His grandkids-Eric Farris Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Mario Brown, Saleemah Williams, Kamiyha Hardy-Farris, and Kariyaah Hardy-Farris-will remember him for his jokester mannerisms and soulful taste in food and music.
He was a devout Catholic while attending Holy Name Catholic Church. Sports and music fueled John's easy smile. Whether watching a tennis match, dancing along to his favorite song by Kool and the Gang or Al Green or taking a spontaneous drive just to see where the road led, he did it with a good-natured grin and a quick joke. Lately, he took a liking to reggae music and African gospel music.
We will miss his booming laugh, his gentle guidance, and the way he made each of us feel seen. Thank you, John, for showing us how to love big, laugh loud, and keep the music playing.