Israel Williams, Jr.'s Obituary
Israel Williams, Jr., 83, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully Friday, June 6, 2025, in NHC HealthCare of Chattanooga. He was affectionately known as “Boy Boy,” the oldest of eight siblings was born on February 11, 1942, to the parentage of the late Mrs. Mary Pearl Parker and Mr. Isreal Williams, Sr. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert Lee Williams, Sr. and two great grandchildren, Deshawn Davis and Kayron Davis.
He was raised in the Christian faith and during his childhood was a very active member of Bibb Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Macon, GA. He was a lifelong member of the Good Samaritan Society & New Deal Lodge. His educational journey was cultivated and enhanced within the Bibb County Public School System. In that his father instilled in all of his children strong work ethics, Isreal learned the responsibilities of working hard and being self-sufficient at an early age. His very first job was at Pig’n Whistle in Macon, Georgia. He was employed by Bibb Distributing Company, Borden’s Dairy, Macon Billiards and other businesses while in Georgia. His employment in Tennessee included working at Southern Woods & Tennessee Valley Railroad from where he retired.
On May 4, 1967, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, served bravely in the Vietnam War, and received an honorable discharge on June 9, 1969. Isreal was united in holy matrimony to Lillian Wiley Williams of Powersville, Georgia on November 5, 1961, and to that union two daughters and one son were born.
He was definitely a jokester, loved having fun and getting together with family and friends. His bright personality made him unforgettable to everyone he encountered. He carried the humor and warmth of his southern upbringing throughout his entire life.
Many years earlier, the majority of his maternal aunt’s clan (The late Mrs. Thelma Parker Spivey’s Family) had migrated to Chattanooga, where they purchased homes, some opened new businesses and were doing tremendously well. Over 40 years ago, he made the decision to also make Chattanooga, Tennessee his home, where he remained at his death.
His legacy and treasured memories will forever be cherished by his wife, Lillian Wiley Williams of Warner Robins, Georgia; two daughters and one son, Angelia (Milton) Williams of Gray, GA., Patricia Williams (Willie Johnson) of Warner Robins, GA and Harold (Denise) Williams of Columbia, SC; stepdaughter, Tanya (Darrin) Marcus of Warner Robins, GA; eight grandchildren, Tavarres (April Braxton) Williams, Shameka Williams, Halle Williams, Quinton Flowers, Melissa Wimberly, William Davis, Steven (Jamecia) Hollings and Shane (Ivinia) Hollings; four sisters, Mary Williams Baul, Christine Williams (David) Rivers, Rosa Williams Davis, all of Macon, GA, and Bessie (Billy Cole) Williams, Decatur, GA.; two brothers, Jesse (Beatrice) Williams, Sr. of Macon, GA. and Clifford (Valerie) Williams, Sr. of Raeford, NC; seven great-grandchildren, T'Airra Williams, Elijah Dantes, Trayvon Flowers, Quinton Flowers, Jr., Jabez Flowers, Teya Davis and Niklaus Hollings; a very special cousin, **Alice Spivey “Prayer” (John) Jones of Chattanooga; and a host of caring nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Israel will lie-in-state on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Graveside Service will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Chattanooga National Cemetery with Brother John R. Taylor, Sr. as the Eulogist.
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