Jerry Wright “Bugs” Williams passed away at home peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on October 23, 1939, to Alva and Josie Williams.

Jerry was lovingly known as Bugs by those close to him. His older brother coined his nickname by remarking that he looked just like a bug as he crawled across the floor as an infant. The name stuck.

Bugs moved from the small town of Maben to the big city of Memphis, TN as a young man, where he met the love of his life, Clara Dean Simpson and his beloved friends, Paul, Bobbie, and Barbara. He was a business owner and an extraordinary husband and father. Together, Clara and Jerry married, raised a family, and had a wonderful life in Memphis. After retirement, Bugs and Clara moved home to Maben to enjoy the country life. The country life provided Bugs the opportunity to enjoy his passion. If you knew anything about Bugs, it was his passion for turkey hunting. Many young men and a few young ladies learned the art of chasing a Tom from Bugs. To say he was the Godfather of turkey hunting in Douglastown would be an accurate statement. Even in his last days, if you mentioned turkey hunting, he immediately had an increased interest in the conversation.

The smile on his face was unmistakable. His compassion for others was unmistakable as well. Bugs expressed love through acts of service. He was always willing to help someone, even in the smallest way. He was a true example of God’s faithful servant. “The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40.

Jerry Wright “Bugs” Williams is survived by two sons, Bart (Cynthia) Williams of Starkville, MS and Joe (Laynie) Williams of Bentonville, AR; four grandchildren, Allen (Emily), Sophie, Gracieann, and Emily; great grandson, Rory; two sisters, Joann Holliman, Dorothy Diaz; two brothers, Alf (Gara) Williams and Tommy (Sherrie) Williams; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews that he adored along with his very close friend, Libby Harrison.

Bugs is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Clara Simpson Williams, his parents, Alva and Josie Williams, his oldest brother, Mannon Edward Williams, his older sister, Shirley White, and his dear friend, Barbara Cherry.

Pallbearers; Jerry Eckhart, Robbie Gilland, Hunter Griffin, Hunter Johnson, Vince Tenhet, and Andy Trice. Honorary pallbearers; Gary Kinard, Tim Ungaro, and Charles Lee Douglas.

The visitation for Jerry Wright “Bugs” Williams will be Saturday, May 27th 9:00 AM-10AM at Center Grove Baptist. Services will follow at 10:00 AM, Welch Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Center Grove Baptist Church, 146 Center Grove Rd, Starkville, MS 39750.