Lt. Col. (Ret) Rev. John H. Williams

JOHN HERSCHELL WILLIAMS August 19, 1922 – May 4, 2015 Rev. Williams, known to so many as Herschell, Georgia, John H., Sgt. Williams, Daddy, Bro. John, Chaplain Williams, Honey, and Dan-Dan, was born August 19, 1922 in Opelika, Alabama. His parents were John Wesley Williams and Ethel Agnes Hillyer Williams. His educational journey took him through public school in Opelika and then to Texas. He attended Arlington State College (now U.T.A.); received his Bachelors of Science in Physical Education from North Texas State University; attended Brite College of the Bible, T.C.U.; and received his Masters of Theology from Perkins School of Theology, S.M.U. His lifetime of service started when he was a teen in the C.C.C. with transition into the US Army serving through the Battle of the Bulge and World War II. Shortly thereafter, he continued serving his beloved country in the Korean conflict. Next, in the Air Force, he was a Chaplain until his retirement as Lieutenant Colonel in 1982. During this time he served in a third war—the Vietnam war. On May 25, 1946, he married gorgeous Elizabeth Ann Thomas in Grand Saline, TX. From that day on, they were a true power couple, sharing the love and power of Jesus Christ with everyone they met. As a civilian, Mr. Williams worked as an athletic coach, school teacher, meat packer, salesman and mail carrier. In his ministry career, Bro. John served 16 United Methodist congregations in Oklahoma and Texas, as well as hundreds of thousands of travelers as DFW airport chaplain. Neither Alzheimer’s Disease nor dementia kept Bro. John from the work God called him to do. However unsure his own world became, he continued praying, encouraging, blessing and loving all those around him. Survivors include his adored wife Elizabeth; children Jan Williams Boyd and Jack; Lisa Williams Webster and Clif; grandchildren Jade Boyd Calvert and Travis; Zemmy Boyd; Sheldon Webster; Phillip Webster; great-granddaughter Sarah-Jane Calvert; much-loved nieces and nephews; and friends from everywhere he went. Funeral: 10 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Crowley. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Mayfield Kiser Funeral Home. Burial: 1 p.m. Friday, May 8 , 2015 at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. Memorials: First United Methodist Church, 509 Peach, Crowley, Texas 76036; or Crowley House of Hope, 216 N. Magnolia, Crowley, in lieu of flowers, would be appropriate and welcomed.