John L Williams

Elder John L. Williams was born on December 10, 1948, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Mrs. Florine “Doll Baby” Williams and Mr. Frederick Williams. From the beginning, he was rooted in the strength and love of a family whose presence shaped every chapter of his life. Affectionately, those who loved him most called him “John L.” or “John Earl,” names that carried familiarity, warmth, and the closeness of family and community.

John grew up in Harlem—also known as the Canal—section of Myrtle Beach, a neighborhood filled with familiar faces, a tight‑knit community, and the kind of upbringing that instills resilience, loyalty, and pride. He also grew up in the church at Sandy Grove, where he was an active member of the youth choir ministry. It was there that his musical gifts began to shine. John learned to play both the organ and the piano entirely by ear, with no formal training — a rare, God‑given talent. And when he sang, he could sing like an angel, touching hearts with a voice that carried both power and tenderness. He was an ordained minister, a devoted and faithful servant whose life reflected humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to God.

John graduated from Myrtle Beach High School in 1969 and later attended Horry–Georgetown Technical College before joining the United States Army. In June of 1975, John answered a higher calling and joined the United States Army. His decision to serve reflected his deep sense of duty, discipline, and commitment to something greater than himself. Over the course of his military career, he distinguished himself through hard work, integrity, and unwavering dedication to his fellow soldiers. John served honorably until January 1991, when he received his Honorable Discharge. During his years of service, he earned several commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Non‑Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. These honors reflected not only his technical skill but also his character — steady, dependable, and deeply committed to excellence.

As a Senior Human Resources and Logistics Specialist, John played a vital role in supporting soldiers, managing operations, and ensuring that missions ran smoothly. His leadership was strengthened through Advanced Non‑Commissioned Officer leadership training, which included the Primary Leadership Course and Equal Opportunity Leadership Development Course. These programs shaped him into a thoughtful, fair, and principled leader — someone who believed in treating people with dignity and creating an environment where everyone could succeed.

He retired from the U.S. Army at Fort Hood, Texas, and made his home in Dallas, Texas, where he lived for the remainder of his life. After relocating to Dallas, John continued his commitment to service by working for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a trained pharmacist. He served veterans with the same dedication and professionalism that defined his military career, and he later retired from this position as well.

After retiring from the military, John continued his commitment to service and community by pursuing a career in funeral service. In 1994, he completed dual credentials at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, earning both a Diploma in Funeral Service and an Associate of Applied Science Degree. These achievements reflected his deep respect for dignity, tradition, and the importance of honoring life’s final chapter with care and professionalism. His training prepared him to serve families with compassion and precision, and he carried that responsibility with quiet pride. John was a devoted and faithful member of New Jerusalem Holy Temple Church in Dallas, Texas. He served in the clergy ministry, the music departments, and community outreach. His spiritual life was a source of strength and purpose, and he gave of himself generously to support the ministry and those in need. John was also a committed supporter of his community beyond the church. He was an avid donor to the North Texas Food Bank, giving consistently and quietly to help ensure families in need had access to food and support.

He was preceded in death by his sister Bertha Lee Williams and four of his brothers, Jimmy, Frederick, Levi “LT,” and Larry Williams, each of whom held a special place in his heart; his nieces Priscilla A. Gause and Lynn Williams-Shannie. Their memories remained with him always, guiding him with the quiet strength of family bonds that never fade.

John leaves to cherish his memory his three sisters, Linda Holloman, Carolyn Wilson, and Evelyn Crenshaw; his nieces and nephews: Thelma Lee Williams‑West, Brenda Lee Williams‑Sinclair, Christeen Williams‑Kilgore, Warren Lee Williams, Dennis Lee Williams (Unandi Kenna Williams), Angela Williams, and Deacon Mike (Maxine) Chestnut, . He also leaves behind a host of grand‑nieces, grand‑nephews, cousins, friends, and members of the old youth Sandy Grove Choir who loved him dearly. “John’s legacy lives on in every life he touched — with dignity, devotion, and love.”

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