John Williams

John Williams, age 82, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, May 3, 2020, in the presence of family. He was born on June 25, 1937, in Kershaw, South Carolina, and was the youngest of five children born to the late Mingo and Rena (Hampton) Williams. He was also the grandson of the late Joe/Anne Williams and James “Jim”/Ethel Hampton. John was preceded in death by his wife: Glorine (Jones) Williams; life-partner of more than twenty years: Christine Nails; three brothers: Willie Williams Sr. (Mary “Elmo”), Henry “Sea Boat” Williams & Joseph “Joe” Williams (Lena Mae); and one lifelong cousin & brother: Henry “Bug” Williams Jr.

In the late 1950s, John migrated to Stamford, CT where he worked and retired as a chef for over forty years until moving to Charlotte, NC with his daughters and grandchildren in 2007. John professed a hope in Christ in 2005, became a member of New Beginnings Community Church (Mint Hill, NC) in 2007, and was later baptized by Rev. Dr. Michael L. Henderson on June 4, 2013 alongside his youngest grandchild and namesake, Jon.

John loved sharing stories, telling jokes, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.  He also cherished cooking special dishes (i.e. collard greens, potato salad, deviled eggs, turnip greens & dumplings) and hosting Sunday dinners or cook-outs for his family. He also enjoyed talking on the phone with his beloved cousins, nieces/nephews, and friends.

John is survived by his brother: Willie English of Rembert, South Carolina; two daughters: Lorraine Williams-Pratt (Hiram) and Johnetta Williams (Paula), both of Charlotte, North Carolina; five grandchildren: Jason Cummings (Dimmis), Joshua Williams (Keema), Ja’Lissa Harris-Lundy (Eric), Ja’Rena Harris (Kourtney), and Jon Pratt; nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.