James L. Williams

With an enduring faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior, our beloved J.L. Williams entered into His presence Sunday, January 24, 2016. James L. Williams was born August 4, 1933 to Clifton Lee and Ruby Reed Williams in Ashtola, Texas. His humble nature and complete devotion to the Ministry has allowed him to touch many lives in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska and because of his influence many of his children and grandchildren have had the opportunity to share the Gospel all around the world. His compassion for others far out-weighed his personal concerns which led him to come out of retirement and return to serve again as Associate Pastor of FBC Gainesville where he had previously served as Interim Pastor and Associate Minister of Pastoral Care. He drove many miles to comfort his flock in the hospitals and nursing centers throughout North Texas and southern Oklahoma. During his last week of life on this earth, JL was able to preach from God’s Word, enjoy quiet evenings with his Sweetheart Jean in their home, and lead the Wednesday night prayer service the evening before entering the hospital. His wit and humor will be missed. J.L. would prefer to be known as a man of prayer. He truly communicated with the Father.

In preparation for the ministry, J.L. graduated from Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, Texas and Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Following his ordination into the ministry, he preferred to leave off the title of Reverend. Through more than 55 years of ministry, J.L pastored in Lelia Lake, Texas; Terral, Oklahoma; Ector, Texas; and Omaha, Nebraska. In Kansas, he pastored in Great Bend, Hutchinson, and Mount Hope. He also served a number of years as Director of Associational Missions in Central Kansas. After one of several retirements he returned to pastor at FBC Era, Texas. Being willing to serve in small churches, he would supplement his family income by working in a church member’s fields, driving school buses (which included transporting his children to sporting and academic events), and detailing cars. As a man dedicated to his faith and his family he found it difficult to retire. He enjoyed keeping busy. His love for God was his encouragement to complete his life goal: Finishing strong! We believe he did!

J.L. is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Jean, of Gainesville; his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Sheri Williams of McKinney Texas; his daughter, Joyce Yeager of Jefferson City, Missouri; his daughter and son-in-law, Mark and Mary Fuller of Norman, Oklahoma. J.L. and Jean have 7 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren whom they love dearly. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Nadine and Kenneth Wilkinson of Amarillo, Texas; sister-in-law, Alene Brown of Amarillo, Texas; and many nieces and nephews and The Cousins. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and his baby sister, Bettie Joyce Williams.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

His memorial Service will be held Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 2:00 PM. at First Baptist Church in Gainesville. A private burial will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville, Texas. Arrangements are being handled by Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

J.L. has often stated his desire to not receive flowers and his family is requesting his wish to be honored. In lieu of flowers, please contact FBC for information about the Foundation he has chosen to bless.