John Wayne Williams

John Wayne Williams, age 86, joined our Father in Heaven on August 6, 2025 at home in Cedar Hill, Tennessee. John was born on May 1st, 1939 in Capleville, Tennessee. There are 2 funeral services scheduled for Mr. Williams. On Saturday, August 9, 2025, the family will receive friends from 12-2pm with the service at 2pm at the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield, TN. On Monday, August 11, 2025, the family will receive friends from 11am-1pm with the service at 1pm at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Olive Branch, MS. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. John was first and foremost a loving and happy family man. He was a devoted husband, survived by his wife of 65 years, Yvonne Williams. He was an encouraging father to his two sons, Gary/Ann Williams and Gregg/Tammy Williams. He was a loving Grandfather (Britney Williams, Laura Beth/Steve Iversen, Kyle Williams and Heather/Austin White, John T. /Rachel Williams. He was a joyful great grandfather (Nora Iversen and Eliza Iversen , Wesson Williams, Kimber Williams, Remington Williams). John was preceded in death by his parents, James Herman Williams and Mamie Craig Williams and his daughter-in-law Debbie Williams. John was the next to the youngest son of 11 children. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy/Dave Teague and sister-in-law Doris Williams. John graduated from Capleville High School in 1957 as well as completed several college classes in management. He joined the Army and served three years in Okinawa, Japan as part of the Nike Hercules missile air defense strategy. John specialized in western apparel and retired from Ely Walker as a co-owner and CEO. During his time at Ely Walker, he traveled around the world 5 times working in numerous countries. John was very actively engaged in his community. He was the Pleasant Hill Scout Troup Scout Master for 20 plus years; Pleasant Hill Little League Baseball Coach; Member of the Olive Branch Jayces; Member of the Lebanon and Adams Possum Trot Blacksmiths Clubs; Member of the Cedar Hill Men’s Club, and the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce. He was a Lay Leader while serving at the Pleasant Hill and Cedar Hill United Methodist Churches. His hobbies included blacksmithing, riding horses and creek stomping. Whenever going for a walk in the woods or creek stomping, John would always point out how wonderful God made everything. He loved to say, “Oh the Lord has been good to me!” A very special Thank You is sent to VA accentCare, Jamie and Caris Healthcare Hospice as well as his grandchildren Laura Beth Iversen and Kyle Williams, his neighbors and friends. You gave him such special care and love. The family appreciates everything the caregivers have done. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at: https://donorservices.alz.org Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000

John Wayne Williams

May 1, 1939 - August 6, 2025