George Washington Williams, Jr., 89 of Florence, passed from this life on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 after an extended illness. He died peacefully at home with his loving wife of 68 years by his side and attended by his two sons and a daughter-in-law. G.W. lived a full and fruitful life, enjoying every day and influencing those around him with his strong sense of duty to God, family and country. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 at the age of 17, completing training as a Commando and deep sea diver, and again served during the Korean War as a boatswain’s mate aboard the U.S.S. Monrovia (APA-31), and the U.S.S. Glenn.
He humbly served as an elder for the East Florence Church of Christ for 40 years, dedicating himself to the service of God and to family and friends. He was an excellent student of the Bible, and was appreciated for his many years of work as a Bible class teacher. He continued to love to be on or near the water in boating or fishing for many years, and he enjoyed communing with nature by working with fruit trees and roses around the home that he shared with his wife, Marie Miles Williams; the love of his life and light of his eye. He will be sorely missed.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 1 – 4 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 4 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Shawn Smith and Gary Patton officiating. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park.
Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elsie Williams; son, Stephen Wayne Williams; sister, Ruby Williams White.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marie Miles Williams of Florence; sons, Ronald Williams (Paula), Kent Williams all of Florence; sister, Billie Mecke of Kingsport, TN, Anne W. Canaday (Don); brother, James L. Williams (Frances); grandchildren, Cary Williams (Paula), Chris Williams (Kim), Jeff Williams (Harley) all of Florence, Jennifer Williams of Nashville, Nathan Williams of Huntsville, Audrey Williams of Nashville, Weston and Carson Williams of Killen; great-grandchildren, Brooke, Claire, Brenna, Tyrus, Piper, Layla, and Connor.
Active pallbearers will be the deacons of East Florence Church of Christ. Honorary pallbearers will be the elders of East Florence Church of Christ.
