Jack T. Williams

Hatley – Jack T. Williams, 77, passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at his residence. Born on May 22, 1938, in Hatley, he was a son of the late Ollie Clifton “O. C.” and Parizetta Rebecca “Bill” Mangum Williams.

His family has been in Hatley for 7 generations. Jack graduated from Hatley High School in 1956. While singing with a group at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, his beautiful bass voice captured the ear and heart of Betty Brasfield. They were married on May 26, 1957. Soon thereafter, Jack went to Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1957 – 1963, receiving his honorable discharge just before the Cuban Conflict.

Jack worked at Allen’s Big Star and left to become an insurance agent. For 42 years, he worked for Life of Georgia and Liberty National as a salesman and sales manager for both companies. His dedication led to being named top salesman with both companies. As a result, he and his wife traveled on trips Jack had earned.

A man of strong faith and character, Jack’s life was guided by God and his family. He was a Deacon at Hatley Missionary Baptist Church, was always faithfully going to church, and was known as “The Candy Man.” Passionate about sharing the Gospel of Christ, Jack enjoyed handing out cards to people about Salvation. He believed in, “Once saved, always saved.” A devoted and avid reader of his Bible, Jack was pleased to have read through his Bible three times and was on his fourth time. As a result of his dedication to the Word, quoting Scripture from memory was second-nature.

Visiting with his friends at the coffee shop, their visits were affectionately known as the “Liars’ Convention.” He enjoyed Southern Gospel music, reading, woodworking, and watching Duck Dynasty.
Jack was passionate about supporting and doing mission work at Twin Lake Baptist Mission, Navajo Nation, and at Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA, where his daughter works. One who spoke his mind, you knew where he stood. Two of his favorites quotes were, “Spare the rod, spoil the child,” and “Do right.” Jack leaves a legacy of love and devotion to his faith and his family.

Survivors include his wife, best friend, and soulmate of nearly 59 years, Betty B. Williams, Hatley; daughter, Lacretia “Crissie” Cirelli (Dean), Monroe, LA; sons, Allen Williams (Debbie), Hatley, and Richard Williams (Kristin), Crofton, MD; grandchildren, Jeff and Travis Williams; Leah Doyle; Tanner, Linnea, and Kaley Williams; great-grandchildren, Jon Isaac and Emma Williams; Reese Doyle; and Ava Claire “Cookie” Doyle; one niece and two nephews; and his dog, Oscar.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Isom and Della Williams; and sisters, Velma Jean Williamson and Billie Sue Rast.

His Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM, Friday, February 26 at Hatley Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Jerry Baker, Bro. Gary Self, and Bro. Sidney McLeod officiating. Burial will follow in Hatley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff, Travis, Tanner, and Jon Isaac Williams; Glenn Adams; and Adam Doyle. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Houston, Wayne Howell, Clinton Worthey, Stanley Farrar, Wade Pennington, Ray Brown, and Deacons of Hatley Missionary Baptist Church.

Visitation will be from 6 – 8 PM, Thursday, at the church. He will lie-in-state at the church from Noon until the service hour.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 4196, Monroe, LA 71211.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.