Joe Eugene Williams, better known throughout his life as Gene, departed this life after a brief illness on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from North Miss. Medical Center. He was 86 years old. A longtime Plantersville resident and town leader, Gene was born in Shannon on January 26, 1938, to the late Lloyd and Adelle Williams. He grew up in Tupelo on Shumacola Trail and graduated from Tupelo High School in 1956. After attending Itawamba Junior College, he attended his beloved Mississippi State University where he majored in Industrial Engineering graduating in 1961. On August 6, 1961, Gene married the love of his life, Wanda Partlow from Plantersville and they made their home there throughout their lives. Gene spent 38 years in various Management positions at Rockwell International, a major power tool manufacturer. He retired in 2000 and greatly enjoyed his retirement years attending Miss. State football and other sporting events. He never tired of Maroon and White and was a longtime member of the Bulldog club. He and Wanda traveled the country and Gene greatly enjoyed golfing with his buddies. He was a regular at the NMMC Wellness Center. A patriotic American, Gene was a stand-up gentlemen in every way, always encouraging others and serving his country in the Miss. National Guard 108th Armored Calvary Regiment from 1955-1963 retiring with the rank of Specialist E-5. Gene served with others during the Ole Miss Crisis in 1962. Additionally, Gene loved Plantersville and spent from 1985-1997 on the Board of Alderman in Plantersville where his service was sought and valued. His yard was always immaculate, which was evidence of his pride and dignity. A genteel man, Gene was a deeply spiritual man serving as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Plantersville from 1976 until recently. Gene was completely devoted to Wanda, his two sons, Chris and Wes and their families. His kind heart, his love of God, family, community and all mankind will be a part of his legacy. Everyone will miss this stellar husband, dad, grandfather, uncle, and community and church leader.
A service honoring Gene’s earthly pilgrimage will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, July 30, 2024 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with his pastor, Bro. Tim King officiating and Thomas Craft delivering the eulogy. Private family burial will be in the Plantersville Cemetery. Visitation will be from Noon-service time on Tuesday only at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo-which is honored to be serving their neighbors. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Wanda Williams of Plantersville; his sons, Chris Williams and wife, Pam of Franklin, TN. and Wes Williams and wife, Kim of Huntersville, NC; his beloved grandchildren Kyle, Connor and Ellie of Franklin, TN and Sydney of Huntersville, NC.; a sister in law, Macie Williams of Verona and his nieces, Charlotte and Jan and their families and his Partlow family of in laws. Preceded him in death are his parents, Lloyd and Adelle Williams and his only brother, Elton Williams.
The family suggest memorials be made to the First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 487, Plantersville, MS. 38862.
