Johnnie Lee Williams

Johnnie Lee Williams, born on July 11, 1950, in Marianna, Arkansas, became one with the ancestors on June 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and service that touched countless lives. He was affectionately known by his nickname “Hump” by family and friends. Johnnie was married to the late Linda Williams in 1981. He was the beloved son of the late Areather Williams and Fred Williams Sr.

Johnnie's family relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where he received his formal education. At an early age, he was baptized at Holy Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church, a step that shaped his lifelong commitment to faith. As a young boy, he took pride in working as an eggman selling eggs around the neighborhood and as a paperboy, showcasing his diligent spirit from an early age.

At the age of 18, Johnnie enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas. As an Airman, he served in the Administration Office, contributing to mission planning by working on maps for navigating flight routes, identifying targets, and avoiding threats. His exemplary service earned him the prestigious National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) and AFM 900-3. He was honorably discharged in 1971, marking the end of his distinguished military career.

After his time in the military, Johnnie embraced a variety of roles, including positions in numerous factories, the prominent role of Recorder at the Cook County Court System, the distinguished responsibility as Judge with the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago, as well as esteemed duties in Administration at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital. It was at Hines Hospital that he discovered his passion for golf, joining the hospital's golf team and enjoying every moment of it.

Johnnie was also an exceptionally skilled and fiercely competitive bowler. He had a deep passion for music, loved to dance, and enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends.

Johnnie's faith remained a cornerstone of his life. He was baptized again at Broadview Missionary Baptist Church in Broadview, IL, where he actively served on the Usher Board for several years, displaying his generous spirit, devotion to community and love for God.

Throughout his life, Johnnie's kind heart and humorous personality made him beloved by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his brothers, twins: Jerome Williams and Jeffery Williams, along with Fred Williams Jr. and his aunt, Mattie Bell Smith. He leaves to cherish his memory Goddaughter: Myra (Roosevelt) Redd, God grandchildren: Elijah and Noelle Redd, eight sisters: Juanita (late Lonnie) Wells, Mandy Moore, his twin sister Mattie Knight, Dianah (James) Richmond, Sarah (Maurice, Sr.) Thompson, twins: Mary Lou (late Alvin) McDaniels and Mary Jane Prichett, and Minnie (Petronus, Sr.) McGraw; two brothers: Willie (Beverly) Moore and Phillip (Arlette) Williams Sr.; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Johnnie will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, his irresistible sense of humor, and the warmth he brought to those around him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.