JOHN WESLEY WILLIAMS III
John Wesley "Sonny" Williams III was born on Dec. 21, 1942, in Sumter County, to the late Rosa Lee Williams Farmer. John Wesley "Sonny" Williams III was reared in the home of his grandparents, the late Rev. John Wesley and Clara Peay Williams. He departed this life on Thursday, May 20, 2021, in Sumter.
He was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. He joined the United States Army in 1967 and served for two years after completing a tour in Europe. After serving in the Army, he returned to Sumter County and then moved to New York City, where he gained employment at Merchant Glass Co. and retired after 25 years. He later worked for Henderson Brothers Inc. Contracting for 10 years until his retirement. Upon his return to South Carolina, he was employed with the City of Sumter for 14 years, where he again retired. He was a diehard lover of baseball, America's favorite pastime. The New York Mets, Jets and Panthers were his favorite teams. He was very athletic, enjoyed participating with the local leagues in South Carolina as well as in New York City, managing and coaching many teams. He was an avid bowler and for relaxation you could find him at the pond with his boys. His talks about life, family and how to be a strong man were captivating and standard protocol for every encounter with him. He was a proud member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, an organization of which his grandparents were founders.
He leaves to mourn his passing: Lillian Davis, his faithful friend and companion of many years; his cousin/brothers, the Rev. Frank E. Williams Jr. and Julius Campbell; two sisters, Yvonne Bryant of Georgia and Penny Singleton of New York City; and two brothers, Neal Singleton and Michael Singleton of New York City. He also leaves his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to cherish his memories: five daughters, Elder Julia Blue of Sumter, Harriet (Wayne) Rush of New Jersey, Zuelda Williams-Smith of Dalzell, Sunnie (Anthony) Williams-Venzen of Queens, New York, and Nojki (Philippe) Williams-Edouard of Boston, Massachusetts; six sons, Lawrence Anthony (Katie) Williams of Lake City, Willie Deon (LeSell) Davis of Columbia, John W. (Denisha) Williams IIII of Charlotte, North Carolina, Ali Alexander (Carla) Williams of Charleston, Travis Middleton of Dalzell and Dominque West of Dalzell; 19 grandchildren, Dallas Wesley (lil Sonny) Williams, DeAuyna Davis, Deon Davis, Demetria Davis, Jontae' Williams, Jalaiah Williams, Cateira Williams, Antonio Williams, Anfernee Williams, Devin Williams, Julia M. Blue, Clinton Blue, Joshua Blue, Jasmine Graham, Desmond Graham, Nicolas P.A. Ryan, Ismael C. Torres, Sonya James and Anthony Venzen Jr.; and 10 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in his homegoing by an adoring sister, Juanita Williams Herriott.
Countless other relatives, friends and acquaintances are all left with fond memories.
In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting masks and social distancing at the home visitation and for the homegoing service.
Viewing will be from 2 until 6 p.m. today at the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home Inc.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter, with the Rev. Frank E. Williams Jr. officiating.
The funeral procession will leave at 10:20 a.m. from the home, 1390 Westbury Mill Road, Sumter.
Interment and committal will be held at Unity Family Life Center Cemetery, 274 Lachicotte Road, Lugoff, SC 29078.
These services are entrusted to the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.