Jessie Ralph Williams was born on September 21, 1936 and departed this life on February 1, 2024. He was 87 years, 5 months and 11 days old.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Jane Franklin Williams. One son, Milton R. Williams (Debbie), one daughter, Karan Brawner (David). Five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, four step grandchildren, seven step great grandchildren, one sister, Mary Pettus (Roger), several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one son, Michael Williams, his parents, Robert Garrett and Laura Newton Williams, one brother, Robert Alford Williams (Barbara), father in law and mother in law, Milton “Pete” and Mary Fisher Franklin, one brother in law, Ewell Franklin (Reba).
He was a member of Lexington Methodist Church, former member of Chinubee United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He was also a member of Loretto Masonic Lodge #655 for 63 years (since 1962), past master twice. He was also a shiner, a member of Loretto Eastern Star #472, a former Lawrence County Commissioner, and served in the United States Army for 3 years.
He worked for Flur Danial Construction, working in eleven different states and some states more than once. He started out as a helper and worked his way up to instrument superintendent. He retired and went into the poultry business raising chickens for Aviagen, INC.
Pallbearers will be: Big guy, Jordan Springer, Harold Mashburn, Matthew Weigart, Cam Allen, and Curt Denton.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Lexington Methodist Church at 2:00 pm with Phillip Spinger officiating. Burial to follow in Second Creek Cemetery with a Masonic service at the graveside. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Lexington Methodist Church.
Loretto Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.