Rev. John William “JW” Williams, age 82 of Laurinburg passed away to his Heavenly home Saturday, September 5, 2020.

John was born July 23, 1938 in Marlboro County, South Carolina, son of the late Grady Williams and Bessie Barrington Williams. He was a proud Veteran who served with the Army National Guard.  He completed his studies in Ministry at the Central Wesleyan College and continued to serve God in all areas of life.  A hard working gentleman, JW had a long career in grocery management with the IGA Store in Cheraw, SC and retiring after many years of service with the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store in Hamlet, NC.  His joyous spirit shined as he witnessed for Jesus and serving as the Pastor of Peele’s Chapel Wesleyan Church, retiring due to illness after 34 years in the ministry. He also formerly served as a member of the Lion’s Club in Bennettsville, SC. JW was blessed with a beautiful voice and loved singing.  He also enjoyed golfing, and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. His greatest joy was sharing time with family, playing and joking around, especially with his grandchildren. He will forever be remembered as a devoted Christian husband, loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Johnny Williams; brothers, Curtis Williams, Grady Williams, Jr.; great grandson, Triston Williams, great- great grandson, Justus Lebron Rackley and his beloved Chow, Jake.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 63 years, Juanita Virginia Lambert Williams of the home; daughters, Dianne W. Bullard (Buck) of Bennettsville, SC, Sylvia W. Langworthy (Peter) of Pinehurst, NC, Cynthia E. Williams (Jonathan) of Laurinburg, NC, Robin Renee Williams of Saluda, VA; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews and many friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Peele’s Chapel Wesleyan Church.  Due to COVID, the family will not be receiving friends during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to be given to the Peele’s Chapel Wesleyan Church, 20781 McEachin Road, Laurel Hill, NC 28351 and/or Bennettsville Wesleyan Church, 206 Wiltshire Drive, Bennettsville, SC  29512.

COVID-19 mandates require facial masks or covering and limited attendance for all services.