Edward C. "Big Ed" Williams

Edward C. (Big Ed) Williams, 85, of Valdosta, died on Monday, December 30, 2013 at his residence. Born in Morven, on November 28, 1928, he was the son of the late Fleming Bates Williams, Sr. and Lelia Spell Williams. Big Ed grew up in Brooks County where he met and married the love of his life, the late Jessie Oweda Tyler Williams. They were married for nearly 61 years prior to Oweda's death in 2009. A Veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, he was a member of the American Legion for many years and was Past Commander of the Disabled American Veterans. Big Ed was self-employed for most of his life in the construction business. He was instrumental in the establishment of the VA Clinic in Valdosta and he also served as the Lowndes County Campaign Manager for Max Cleland during Mr. Cleland's run for State Senate. Big Ed loved the story and the notoriety of "The Bear"; he also enjoyed dressing as Santa for the kids each Christmas. A die hard Gator fan, he was a true people person and loved spending time with and eating with family and friends, and was a member of Faith Baptist Church.
Survivors are a daughter and son in law, Joanne and Bill Halter of Valdosta; daughter, Violet Emery of Valdosta; a son and daughter in law, Jesse Sr. & Lyn Williams, of Ty Ty; sister, Amanda Webb of Macon; brother, Tony, Sr. & Gail Williams of Hahira; sisters, Barbara Holliman of Lenox and Voncile Garland of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren, Melissa Holley of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jay Greene of Valdosta, Denise Ledford of Cohutta, Kristen Weaver of Valdosta, Jesse Williams, Jr. of Enigma, Eddie Halter of Valdosta, Stephanie Adams of Valdosta, Cheryl Connors of Hahira and Dillon Williams of Ty Ty; great grandchildren, Savanna Cornitcher, Taylor Greene, Colt Holley, Riley Weaver, Haylee Williams, Jesse James Ledford, Summer Connors, Karsyn Connors and a great great grandson, Julian Cornitcher. Also surviving are numerous special nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Williams was preceded in death by a son, Edward Christian Williams, Jr., a grandson, Billy Ledford, five sisters and two brothers.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2014, at Faith Baptist Church. Pastor Mickey Wisehart and Pastor Gene Wisehart will officiate. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery. The family will receive friends at their home at 1210 McRee Drive on Thursday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602