Willie Howard Williams

To view Veteran Williams souvenir journal, please click the "Program" link below:
Program

U.S. Veteran Willie Howard Williams
July 11, 1961 – October 4, 2025
~Hold to God's Unchanging Hand~

To his family, Willie Howard Williams was a supportive father, an affectionate grandfather, a kind-hearted brother, a caring uncle, a loving cousin, and a wise counselor for them all. This beloved son of Sonney Williams, Sr. and Annie Epkins Moore was born on July 11, 1961. He was a resident of Madison, Florida.

Willie was raised in a family who "walked by faith, not by sight." He faithfully attended Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend James C. Miller. He sought the Lord for himself and was baptized by belief. Years later, he became a member of St. Thomas African Methodist Episcopal Church. However, he reestablished his membership at Shiloh.

Willie was family-oriented; he was affectionately devoted to his daughters who were his queens. He expressed his unconditional love for them and was supportive of their endeavors. Likewise, he had a close relationship with his grandchildren. They were all the joy of his life.

During the early years of his life, Willie learned from the caring members of his community of supporters who constantly reminded him to do his best, to be an inspiration for others, and to have a close relationship with God. He was a product of the Madison County School System and a 1979 Madison High School graduate. He had a variety of unforgettable job experiences that taught him valuable life lessons. Immediately after he graduated, he worked with his brother Sonney, Jr. in their family business, Williams Funeral Home. He later enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged at the end of his tour of duty. His subsequent employments included Dixie Packers and the U.S. Army Reserves, followed by the position of sergeant at Florida Department of Corrections (Madison Correctional Institute). As he worked full time on the last two jobs, he was also a fulltime student. His "can do" spirit of determination earned him an Associate of Science degree from North Florida Community College (currently North Florida College), his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and his Master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Because of his persistence in achieving his educational employment goals, Willie became a classroom teacher who did not have to be loud to be effective. The connections he created with the students and staff inspired him to seek positions as the Dean of Students, Assistant Principal at Madison County Central School, Madison County High School and District level employee in the Madison County School System.

Willie loved football and was always supportive of the Madison County Central School Broncos and the Madison County High School Cowboys. However, on the next level, he was a passionate fan of The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

God knew that Willie Howard Williams had become tired at the end of his earthly journey. Therefore, on Saturday evening, October 4, 2025, he traded pain for promise. He obediently departed this life to meet his Savior who promised him sweet relief, but most of all, eternal rest beyond the River because he is now changed, healed, freed, and delivered.

Memories are timeless treasures of the heart. Those who will hold Willie Howard Williams' precious memory and forever love in their hearts are his beloved daughters: Laysha (Avon) Laing of Valdosta, GA, Kamecia (Derrick) Walker of Madison, FL, Amber (Deon) Cherry of Valdosta, GA, and Natasha Williams of Madison, FL; brother: Tony Williams, Sr. of Madison, FL; sisters: Minister (Dr.) Annie Moore Barfield of Madison, FL and Deborah (Warren) Thompson of Valdosta, GA; grandchildren: Zykeiria, Zechariah, Jamie (Jr.), Landon, Sa'Nyia, Daylan, Martavius, Messiah, and Ma'Khi; two great-grandchildren: Charles (III), and Chi'La; great aunt: Eva Lee (Augusta) Stevens; along with many other sorrowing relatives, comforting friends, caring caregivers, and consoling church family.

Preceding Willie Howard Williams in death were his parents: Sonney Williams, Sr., Annie Epkins Moore; brothers: Ernest Moore, Moses Moore, (Infant) David Williams, John Adam Moore, Sr., and Sonney Williams, Jr.; and sisters: Marie Moore Richardson, Dorothy Moore Butler, and Betty Elizabeth Moore Evans.