Legacy Elder John L. Williams, affectionately called "Lish" by family and close friends; was born in Wagener, South Carolina on February 3, 1922. The son of the late Johnnie and Corrie Tyler-Williams. Elder John L. Williams entered into the presence of the Lord November 20th, at Anchor Health and Rehabilitation in Aiken, SC Elder John L. Williams became a member of the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Salley, South Carolina at an early age. He attended the school of Friendship in Salley, South Carolina. He was an avid farmer and also employed at Salley Manufactory in Salley, South Carolina, where he retired after many years of dedicated service as a Material Handler. Elder John L. Williams was united in Holy Matrimony to Lucy M. Garrett. To this union seven children were born. Preceding in his death a loving and devoted wife, Mother Lucy Garrett-Williams; son, Jethro Williams, two brothers: Roger B. and Jim D. Williams; two sisters: Viola Thompson and Lillie Mae Thompson. Elder John L. Williams and Mother Lucy Williams originally lived in Wagener, South Carolina and later moved to Jamaica, New York for a period of three years. After hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ, both were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit and returned to South Carolina because of a great desire and determination concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus. In 1955, The Friendship Community Center was the location for the 1st and 2nd sermon preached in this Mission. In 1956, these services were held in the home of Elder and Mother Williams and repentant souls were baptized in the Name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit. 1957, the Bible Way Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ World Wide began. 1958, Apostle A. P. Steadman introduced Bro. and Sis. Williams to Elder Chester Byrd and Bishop Spann and the Mission became Bible Way Church of Wagener. The sacrifice was great, as it would be for any Visionary of the Gospel. The church experienced tremendous growth and hardship, including the loss of a place to worship, but Elder Williams was determined to preach the gospel-come what may. 1971, God blessed the saints to became owners of the small building once adjacent to this presence sanctuary to become known as Antioch Bible Way Church of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Elder John L. Williams was faithful to the ministry of the gospel for over 60 years and during his tenure of service many souls gave their lives to Christ and accepted the calling to spread the gospel. Our hearts are filled with sorrow, but we realize that this homegoing is the greatest experience of Elder John L. Williams' life which was filled with many experiences as a worker for the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He touched many lives and many accepted Christ as their personal savior and experienced the infilling of the Holy Spirit during his ministry. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. If Elder Williams was to leave a message with us, it is for sure he would say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 King James Version (KJV) Obituary Elder Williams leaves to cherish his memories: 5 sons: Ben (Barbara)-Raleigh, North Carolina, Albert (Mary)-East Orange, New Jersey, Genoris-McDonough, Georgia, Darius (Ursala)-New Jersey, Shorn, and one daughter Abigail (Henry)-both of Wagener, South Carolina. One Sister, Gladys Williams Wright. Daughter-in-law Sarah Redd Williams. 15 grandchildren 23 great-grand, and 4 great-great grands and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. The spiritual children of The Antioch Bible Way Church of Wagener.

Service Information

Visitation will be held for Elder John "Lish" Williams on Saturday, November 28th, 2015 at the J.H. Robinson Funeral Home from 3PM until 7PM. Funeral Services will be held at Antioch Bible Way Church at 614 Seivern Rd, Wagener, SC on Sunday, November 29th, 2015 at 2:30PM. The church will be open an hour prior to the service. The family will be receiving friends and family at Mr. John Williams residence, 879 Miller Pond Rd, Wagener, SC.