Reece Williams

After a full and well lived life, Mr. Reece Williams died on February 5 following a fearless, long fought battle with Parkinson's Disease at the age of 80. Mr. Williams was born on December 3, 1945 in Clarke County, Mississippi to the late Ruby Denham Williams and the late James Edwards Williams.

Mr. Williams graduated from Mississippi State University, an educator by profession, though his interests and pursuits would lead him to many other professions, as well. During his working years, in addition to teaching, he was also a man in the timber business, worked various roles in real estate, and was the owner of several successful restaurants. Despite all his professional roles, his most important roles revolved around his family and close friends. He left an indelible mark and enduring impression on all who loved him. In addition to the many roles he held throughout his life, Mr. Williams will be remembered for his gregarious spirit and larger-than-life presence.

During his later years, Mr. Williams was under the near-constant care of his daughter, Courtney, a full-circle reflection of the unreserved love and boundless devotion that began when he entered her life at three years old.

Mr. Williams is survived by his daughters, Courtney Nickels of Starkville and Stephanie Barrett (Richard) of Oxford, sisters Carolyn Hudson (Will) and Linda Jordan (Buddy), brother Larry Williams (Faye), sister in law Virginia Williams, grandchildren Lawson Barrett (Carly), Mary Cannon Walters (Trevor), Anna Katherine Barrett, and great-grandson Becket Walters. He also leaves behind numerous nephews and nieces, spanning multiple generations of his loving family. In addition to his parents, Mr. Williams is preceded in death by a sister, Ester Moulds, brother James Williams, niece Cindy Moulds and nephew Donnie Moulds.

In his final days, Mr. Williams was surrounded by the companionship of his close and dear friends, Bill Montgomery, Millie Rollins-Duranstanti, T.C. Rollins, and John Michael Rollins.

The family wishes to thank Dugan Nursing Home and Legacy Hospice for providing compassionate and dignified care to Mr. Williams the last several months of his life.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 13 at 10am with the funeral to follow at 11am at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville. A graveside burial will be held at a later date. A celebration of life will follow the funeral at Harvey's Starkville in the Bulldog Boardroom.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association PO Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306 or UAB medicine center of neurology, DBS program 500 22nd Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233 in his honor.