James Lawrence Williams was born at home on March 19, 1927, at the “frog pond” in the Pleasant Valley community. He would join Gilbert, Lucille, and Elizabeth as the youngest of the four surviving children of Henry and Inice Williams. He grew up during the Great Depression, moved to town, attended Coffee High School, and served in the Navy during World War II. After the war he came back to Florence and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Elizabeth Koonce, enrolled in college and received degrees from Freed-Hardeman College and Florence State Teachers College. He preached for the churches of Christ at Barton and Glendale before moving to Stony Point as an associate minister and an elder. He dedicated himself to preaching the Gospel, teaching the Bible, and to mission work, especially in the Caribbean and in Russia.
Although he became quite prominent as a preacher and church leader, his most memorable accomplishments were achieved during the 40 years that he served as a teacher and administrator at Mars Hill Bible School. As an administrator he was practical, focused, and fair. In the classroom his depth of knowledge was remarkable. Many of his former students often state that his class on Hebrews and Revelation was the best Bible class they ever experienced.
Lawrence was blessed to have been married to three gracious Christian women, Mary Elizabeth Koonce, Frances Eason, and Mary Alice Johnson, all of whom departed this life before him. With each marriage his family just grew larger and his life just got richer.
In his prime he enjoyed gardening and working with his cattle. He maintained a beautiful and productive orchard and vineyard. He loved to escape and go fishing down at Waterloo with his longtime friend Howard Jones.
Lawrence Williams was an intellectual giant who also possessed an enormous storehouse of practical wisdom and leadership ability. He maintained the highest personal and moral standards. He was a true Christian servant who never looked down on those weaker than himself, but was always there to give a struggling soul a hand up. He became a spiritual anchor and an example of true Christian manliness to many. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor and friend.
During the early morning hours of Thursday, July 12th, at age 85, Lawrence Williams peacefully crossed over into eternity. He had done all that he could do here and it was time to go. He is survived by his two sons, David (Linda) Williams, Florence, Roger (Keri) Williams, Maumelle, Ark.; three stepsons, Dennis (Linda) Eason, Middleburg, Fla., Woody Eason, Tulsa, Okla., Stephen Johnson, Miami, Fla.; one stepdaughter, Kim (Kerry) Gott, Gadsden; grandchildren, Meigan Williams, Dane Williams, Caysie Williams, Kayla Williams, Jenny Eason, Chad (Lindsey) Eason, Matthew Eason, Emily Eason, Jared (Sasha) Gott, Eric (Leah) Gott and Kara Gott; great-grandchildren, Ayvia Barber, Eli Barber, Shepherd Eason, Rauly Eason, Lillie Anna Eason and Adelae Grace Gott.
He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends who loved him dearly.
The family will receive friends and loved ones at Greenview Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 14. On Sunday, July 15, Mr. Williams will lie in state at the Stony Point Church of Christ from 1-2 p.m. with the funeral service proceeding at 2 p.m. Mr. Brad Adcock, Dr. Kenny Barfield and Dr. Milton Sewell will conduct the service. Mr. Brent Olive will lead the singing.
Very special thanks to Dr. Robert Mann and his staff, Vikki Stout, Dana Scott and Hospice of the Tennessee Valley, and John Lawson and Milner Rushing Drugs for their kindness, love, and care. To Gregg, Leanne, CJ, and Gavin Scott, there are no words to express our gratitude. You truly live your lives to serve God and others, and what a blessing it was that Lawrence had you in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mars Hill Bible School.
An online guest book may be viewed and signed at greenviewmemorial.com.
“From generation to generation, men have encouraged one another in their faith and have passed along this faith to their families and friends. These men are not famous and not household names, but their love for Jesus is undeniable. These are the everyday heroes of the faith-men of whom the Lord will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
