On September 4, 1935, John L. Williams, Jr. (Jack) was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia and became the first of two children born to Katherine Hill and John L. Williams Sr.

He received his education in Lunenburg County Public schools. John dedicated his life to Christ at an early age and joined Saint Matthew’s Baptist Church and served as an Usher, and choir member. He later joined Oak Grove Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon and continued to serve until being called home by the Lord.

His testimonies in church were inspiring, uplifting, and welcomed by those in attendance. His passion for music and singing were highlighted during the 80’s through 90’s as he traveled across the Eastern Atlantic states and local church communities with the group “The Voices of Harmony.” His favorite songs were “There’s A Bright Side Somewhere” and “One More River to Cross.” John regularly attended every church in the community and was well known for his testimonies and songs.

John spent his entire life working in Lunenburg County. He worked at several manufacturing companies before joining the Lunenburg County Public School system as a custodian in 1968. He officially retired from Kenbridge Primary School after serving 45 years. After retiring, he served as custodian and grounds keeper for Saint Matthews Baptist Church from 2013 through 2017. During that time, the community recognized him as keeper of God’s property. God’s property was the centerpiece in the community and people often recognized how well kept the grounds were. No matter the season, his commitment to work was unstoppable. He was a hard worker and was often asked to work from sunup to sundown. His tireless work ethic lasted to the golden age of eighty-one. Working hard was a way of life for him until the Lord called him to rest on May 9, 2018, at Heritage Hall Nursing Home Blackstone, Virginia.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine Hill and John L. Williams, Queen Ester Williams, his wife of fifty-five years; sister, Gloria Hazelwood.

He is survived by four sons; Larry (Jeneane), Jerry (Janice), John (Estela), Jeffrey; one daughter; Brenda Eppes; eleven grandchildren; Loraine (Von), Laticia (Edwin Rosario), De’Sha (Kory Heard), Anthony, Christopher, Danielle, Julian, and Ellis, Latoya, Rodney, Rachuard; three great-grandchildren: Kyrah, Edwin, and KarLeigh Ann; two sisters: Hattie Mae Harper; Cordelia Hopson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday May 15, 2018 at 1 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, Kenbridge, Virginia with the Reverend Kevin A. Robinson, Pastor, the Reverend Ricky Allen, Sr. Eulogist and the Reverend Yvonne W. Bridgeforth, officiating. Interment was in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Kenbridge.

S.P. Jones and Son Funeral Home served the family.