Joseph N. "Joe" Williams, Sr.

Joseph N. “Joe” Williams, Sr., 80, of Hahira, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 1, 2021 at South Georgia Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Valdosta, born on June 11, 1940 to the late Dr. Thomas Conrad Williams and Nettie Claire McMath Williams. He grew up here and graduated Valdosta High School in the late 1950’s. He ran track in high school and developed a lifelong love for the Valdosta Wildcats. During his early life, he was interested in a variety of activities. His family spent many days in the summer at Long Pond and he was an avid water-skier. After High School he attended and graduated from Georgia Southern College (now University) and went on to receive his Master’s from UGA and specialist degree from Valdosta State College. His first job teaching was at Pinevale High School teaching history, then moved to Madison County Middle school and then in the early 1980’s came over to the Lowndes County School System and retired from Lowndes Middle School in 2001. During his later life, he enjoyed the North Georgia Mountains and the wonders they afforded. In addition, he enjoyed experimenting with, and learned much about plants. Reading the Bible was important to him, and both his paternal grandfather and mother-in-law were ministers of the gospel. He tried his hand at both music and art. He was influenced by family and friends who loved God. His favorite pastimes include rooting for the Wildcats, eating and drinking coffee with his friends, and tending his fruit trees. In the 1960’ and early 70’s he served in the National Guard, was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church and he deeply loved the Becky Anthony Sunday School Class.
Mr. Williams is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Henderson Williams, of Valdosta; son Joel Williams of Valdosta; son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Kimberly Williams of Orlando; three grandsons, Kirk Williams, Porter Williams, and Bryson Williams, of Orlando; a sisters-in-law Jeanie Williams of Valdosta, Jean of Shellman, GA, and Evelyn Williams of Gainesville, GA; and several loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Conrad Williams, Robert Williams, and Bill Williams.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne Hughes officiating. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2pm. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in c/o Ben Wetherington, P.O. Box 3342, Valdosta GA, 31604, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.