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Program

Deacon Joe Henry Williams
May 16, 1951 – December 16, 2024
The Steps of a Righteous Man Are Ordered by the Lord" ~ Psalm 37:23

Deacon Joe Henry Williams began the first chapter of his life as the son of Joe Williams and Lillie Mae McGhee Williams. He was born on May 16, 1951, and grew up in the Cherry Lake community of Madison, Florida. He was also favored to have Archie Lee Brown, Sr. in his life as his father as well.  Joe Henry was a lifelong resident of Madison, Florida.

Joe Henry received in faith what Jesus Christ offered in grace. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and joined Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. During his walk in the favor of God, he served dutifully on the Usher Board and was groomed for a position on the Deacon Board. His dedication and faithfulness allowed him to be chosen to fulfill the position as the Chairman of the Deacon Board, a position he accepted with honor.

Joe was educated at Madison County Training School, Madison High School, and North Florida Junior College (now North Florida State College) before he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After his tour(s) of duty, he continued to serve his country by joining the National Guard / Army Reserve for a combined total of 24 years of honorable service.

Joe Henry was taught to give his best effort at whatever he attempted. This quality, together with his people skills, made him well known throughout the community. He was gainfully employed by Farmers Co-Op to deliver propane gas to its customers in a timely manner. After his well-deserved retirement, he later worked part-time for the Madison County Recycling Center where he had the opportunity to rekindle old friendships and to build new ones.

Joe Henry eased into retirement taking the time to enjoy and support his two favorite sports teams, the Madison County High School Cowboys (Seven Times) State Champions and the Florida Gators. He was their #1 fan.

As one chapter ends, a new and promising one begins. Deacon Joe Henry Williams' chapter on earth abruptly ended on Monday, December 16, 2024, only for him to begin his eternal chapter and celebration with Jesus. Someone this special can never be forgotten.

It is hard to turn the page when you know someone will not be in the next chapter, but the story must go on with Christian submission to God's will in calling Deacon Joe Henry Williams home. Loved ones who will comfort one another with God's word and will cherish his precious memory are his loving and devoted wife of nearly 50 years: Patricia Ann Tillman Williams; faithful daughter: Elizabeth Williams; "the beautiful apples of his eye" granddaughters: Kayla Graham, Kamea Johnson, and Kalani Tillman; children he raised and regarded as his own: Tywanda (Daniel) Milton, Terrance Williams, Tammi Tillman-Edwards, Nikki (Wade) Siplin-Sonnier, and Dominic Tillman; mentee regarded as his nephew: DeWayne Swilley; brother: Charles (Stephanie) Brown; sisters: Lizzie Williams, Mary (Charles) Houston, Juliane (Greg) Williams, Elizabeth Lewis, and Barbara Hicks; sister-in-love: Sandra McFarland; lifetime friends: Willie "Bubba" McFarland and Edgar Burch; in addition to countless other sorrowing relatives and loving friends.

Loved ones who have preceded Deacon Joe Henry Williams in death are his infant son: Rashard Williams; parents: Lillie Mae McGhee Williams, Joe Williams, and Archie Lee Brown, Sr.; brothers: Archie Lee Brown, Jr., Lamar Williams, Nathaniel Williams, and Bobbie Lewis Williams; parents-in-love: Samuel Tillman and Annie Tillman; sisters-in-love: Marilyn Tillman, Mary Alice Williams, and Martha Ann Williams; niece: Keisha Straughter; nephew: Omar Williams, and close friend: Timothy "McAdoo" McCray.