Reverend John Dewey Williams, Sr.,90, of St.Augustine, was safely ushered into the arms of his Heavenly Father surrounded by his loving family at his residence on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. A native of Broxton, GA, he was the son of Allen Doberson and Martha Williams, born on Monday, June 22, 1925. He was raised by his loving grandmother, Lena Grant-Williams. He was educated in the Coffee County, (Douglas) GA., School District and a 1942 graduate of George Washington Carver High School. Thereafter, he relocated to St. Augustine, FL, and was productively employed with Southern Bell Telephone Company. John subsequently met his soulmate and the love of his life, Mary L. Washington and they united in holy matrimony on June 16, 1949. They became the proud parents of seven children. John was duly registered as required with the Selective Service Board and on June 13, 1952, during the Korean War, he was inducted into the United States Army. He attended Quarter Master School at Fort Lee, VA. CPL (T) Williams earned the National Defense Service Medal before earning an honorable discharge at the Engineer Center, Fort Belvoir, VA., on June 12, 1954. He returned to his civilian employment at Southern Bell, retiring in 1987 following 38 years of dedicated employment. John was a faithful member of St. Luke A.M.E. Church, where he served in several ministries, including Assistant Sunday School Superintendent. Over 35 years ago, after answering God's call into the Gospel ministry, he formerly served as Pastor of Mt. Moriah Church, Bunnell and Hurst Chapel A.M.E. Church, St. Augustine.He also served as Presiding Elder of Powerhouse Deliverance Ministries, Palm Coast. Reverend Williams loyally served the community and his affiliations include: Chaplain, American Legion Post #194; Volunteer Chaplain, Flagler Hospital; Secretary, Westside Volunteer Fire Station #14; Worshipful Master, Mt. Horeb Masonic Lodge #20; St. Augustine's Ministerial Alliance; NAACP member; and the Westside Improvement Association. Reverend Williams was noted for providing service to others by any legal means necessary, and his selfless service was exemplified through his favorite quote, "The only time you should look down on a man is when you're lifting him up."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his stepfather, Aaron Baker; sisters, Jeanette Colson, Mary Kate Wiggins, and Josephine Waldren.

He leaves a loving legacy of honor and cherished memories to: devoted wife of 60+ years, Mary Lee Williams, St. Augustine; sons and daughters, Larry B. (Rita) Williams, Browns Mills, NJ; Kenneth L. (Sharon) Williams, Mary (Sam) Whitfield, St. Augustine; John (Angela) Williams, Jr., Apostle Kathy L. Elmore, and Karen (Samuel) Preston, of Palm Coast; Eldoris Williams,Rochester, NY; brothers, Elder James Willie Baker, St. Augustine; Cleveland (Abby) Baker, Gainesville; sisters, Evelyn Bennett, Rochester, NY., and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including two god-daughters, Jeanette Gooch, Charlotte, NC and Kea Hall, St. Augustine.

Visitation of family and friends is from 5-7 p.m., Friday, January 29, at Lighthouse Church of God. Homegoing Celebration will be 12 noon, Saturday, January 30, at Lighthouse Church of God, 1230 Kings Estate Road, St. Augustine, Bishop LaVoy Newton, Jr., Host Pastor. Reverend Alton Cole, Pastor of Hurst Chapel A.M.E. Church, St. Augustine, officiating. Interment with Military honors will be in Craig Memorial Park, St. Augustine.