Col. Jimmy Roger Williams, USAF Ret., 81, of Owens Cross Roads passed away Monday, June 9, 2014. Jimmy was born in Dareville, Illinois on December 11, 1932 to Curtis and Lillian. He leaves three brothers, two sisters and joins a third sister in heaven. He leaves his loving wife of 59 years, Twila, in the hands of his three children, Teri Boyett (Alan), Tamara DeHoop (William) and Jim Curtis Williams (Victoria), eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Jimmy was a B-52 pilot during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He commanded the 93rd Bombardment Wing of the Strategic Air Command at Castle AFB, with many squadrons of B-52s, KC-135s and a squadron of F-106s, and seven thousand men and women. His last assignment was as the last US Defense Attache’ to the Republic of China before the United States normalized relations with the People’s Republic of China. After retirement, he built the largest import business of marble tile and slab from Taiwan to the US, growing Taiwan from sub-20th to 4th on the list of largest exporters to the US. People loved to talk to Jimmy and listen to his stories. And his stories were true. Visitation will be Thursday, June 12, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home followed by a Chapel service at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Lon Ostrycki officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.
