Joseph Ross Williams, Jr.

Pensacola, FL - Joseph Ross Williams, Jr., 82, passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on January 24, 2021. Joe was born on May 12, 1938 and was a lifelong resident of Pensacola.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Ross Williams, Sr. and Agnes Bruno Williams, and sister, Barbara Williams Hubbard Wimer.

Joe met the love of his life, Elaine Weekley Williams, in junior high school. They were high school sweethearts and married for sixty-three years. Joe and Elaine have five children: David Williams (Joyce), Jeff Williams (Nancy), Scott Williams (Martha), Ginny Stevens (Steve), and Andy Williams (Debbie); thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Raymond Williams (Mary Ann) and sister, Beverly Markel (Jim), as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.

After graduating from Pensacola High School in 1956, Joe attended Tulane University. He worked at American Cynamid for 23 years before embarking on a successful journey of entrepreneurship. He founded Lawn Master, Inc. in 1981, which is still operated by his family today. Joe held leadership roles in several professional lawn care associations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the Florida Turfgrass Association, and the Green Industry Expo. He was also a past President of the Alabama Turfgrass Association.

A man of great faith, Joe was a charter member of St. Paul Catholic Church and served as a Sacristan for many years. He was one of the first football coaches at St. Paul Catholic School and coached numerous youth sports teams, including Bill Bond Baseball. He later became the first athletic director at St. Paul's.

As a young boy, living on Bayou Texar, he spent countless hours water skiing, and maintained a lifelong passion for fishing and crabbing along the beaches of Pensacola. An avid outdoorsman, Joe enjoyed many memorable days hunting and camping with his brother-in-law and father-in-law, and later with his children and grandchildren.

His love for the outdoors and his family led to the purchase of property on the Santa Rosa Sound where he and his family, and numerous friends who are like family, have spent countless weekends and holidays filled with laughter and love.

Due to Covid restrictions, Joe will be honored with a Private Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church. The mass will be live streamed on Saturday, January 30th at 10 am www.harpermorrismemorialchapel.com for anyone who would like to attend virtually.

Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Matt Williams, Rhett Williams, Ben Stevens, Joseph Stevens, Chad Myers, Justin Hodges, Jimmy McHenry, and Stephen Tipton.

The Williams family would like to give a special thanks to the doctors and staff at the Woodlands Medical Specialists for their compassionate care over the last year.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Paul Catholic Church, 3131 Hyde Park Rd., Pensacola, FL 32503, in his name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Pensacola News Journal from Jan. 28 to Jan. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Williams

Sponsored by Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

8 Entries

John Armentrout

February 3, 2021

I was a Usher at St Paul’s Catholic and worked the door right next to Joe. We told a million stories together every Sunday before Mass. Old school guy. You could not find a more God loving family loving hard working guy. We all at St Paul’s will miss him and never forget what he stood for.

Ellis Humphreys

February 2, 2021

David, Jeff and family.

I am so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. I always enjoyed my time at your house in our younger years and have such fond memories of your Mr. Williams. Jan and I have you and all your family in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless.

Ellis

frank Fillingim

January 30, 2021

Joe was a first class gentleman and my friend from church.God bless his wonderful family.

Michael H. Sarra, MPA

January 29, 2021

Offering our sincere condolences during this time of deep sorrow. He was a great leader and gentleman. May God be with the family during this most difficult time.

Rheala McPadden

January 29, 2021

I am so very sorry to hear about Joe. He was such a good man and helped many people. God bless the Williams family.

Rheala McPadden

Stoney DeLoach

January 28, 2021

I never had the pleasure to meet Mr Willams but we knew many employees. (Ann, Fred) My mom loved Lawn Master and they loved her. She did business with them from the beginning. They way Mr Williams ran his business said everything about him. I lost my mom two years ago. My sincere sympathy to the Williams family and the wonderful Lawn Master family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Margaret

January 28, 2021

I am so very, very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I always enjoyed being around Joe and felt the family connection with him and his children and grandchildren. Will miss his smiling face down at the sound. My condolences to the Eileen and the entire family. We have lost a WONDERFUL man.

Alicia Southard Cole

January 28, 2021

Mr. Joe was such a wonderful man with the kindess heart. He will always hold such a special place in my heart for so many reasons. I’m so sorry Mrs.Elaine and all the rest of his family. He will truly be missed.

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