Reverend Joe Williams

Rev. Joe Aaron Williams, age 78, retired pastor living in Ocala, Florida, passed away on August 26, 2016 after a lengthy struggle with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Sue M. Williams; a son, Rev. Keith Williams and his wife, Susan Williams; a daughter, Karen Hudgins and her husband, Rev. Tom Hudgins; and a son, Andy Williams and his wife, Joy Williams.  In addition, Joe and Sue have eight grandchildren:  James Williams, Robert Williams, Sarah Williams, Jessica Laughter (Matt), Kayla Valle (Bart), Tori Abernathy (Kyle), Drew Williams, and Hope Mitchell (Josh).  They have three great-grandchildren: Kyson Laughter, Khase Laughter, and Titus Valle.  Joe and Sue also have a dear family friend, Helen Dore.  Joe is also survived by his brother, Jimmy O. Williams and his wife Margy Williams, and his sister, Willette Stanford and her husband Rex Stanford, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Odus Aaron Williams and Lonie Graves Williams, and an infant son, Joe Williams, Jr.

Pastor Joe, as he was affectionately called, served five Southern Baptist churches in Florida, Alabama, and Maryland over the course of his 41-year pastoral ministry.  Much of that time, Sue served on staff with him as his church secretary.  They were almost always together—in family , in ministry, and in life.

The funeral service was at Wyomina Park Baptist Church in Ocala, Florida on Sunday, August 28 at 4:00 p.m.  A one-hour viewing preceded the funeral service.   Burial was at the Highland Memorial Park Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to one of the following:  Wyomina Park Baptist Church; Transformation Church 517 (www.transformation517.com); or Hospice of Marion County.