Obituary of Jack Thomas Williams

Jack Thomas Williams, age 79, of Brownsville, TN passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. He was born August 9, 1941 in Coffee Springs, AL, the son of the late J.E. and Elizabeth Irene Anderson Williams. He grew up in West Tennessee, graduated from Humboldt High School, and received degrees from Freed-Hardeman College, David Lipscomb College and the University of Florida. He married Dana Burford Williams on August 18, 1963. They moved to Melbourne, FL in 1964 where he taught English and Speech & Drama for 36 years for the Brevard County School System. He was a member of Melbourne Church of Christ, serving as a deacon and an elder. After retiring from teaching, he and Dana moved to Brownsville, TN and were members of Westside Church of Christ. Over the years, Jack presided over many weddings and funerals. He loved telling jokes, watching sports, fishing, and playing Boggle. He was a fan of the Florida Gators and the Haywood High School Tomcats. He was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather, as well as an inspiration to his family, friends, and students. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Williams is survived by two sons, Brad Williams of Nashville, TN and Wes Williams (Amy) of Bartlett, TN; two grandchildren, Jonah and Olivia Williams of Bartlett, TN; and his brother, Joe Williams of Amory, MS. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years; his parents; his sisters, Betty Rickard and Laura Jane Miller; and a brother, David Williams. A private family graveside service will be conducted at Oakwood Cemetery in Brownsville, TN on Saturday, February 20, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the J.E. Williams Scholarship Fund at Freed-Hardeman University (https://give.fhu.edu/givenow) or to Westside Church of Christ (3235 Hwy. 54 West, Brownsville, TN 38012). All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.