Mount Pleasant, South Carolina – John Thomas Williams, age 76, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Johnny was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on December 10, 1947, he was the second son of the late Isabel Lites Hart Williams and Joseph Floyd Williams. Johnny was preceded in death by his older sister Mary Jo.
Johnny was an Eagle Scout and star football player for the Blackbirds in High School before heading to East Carolina University for college. During his college career, he was drafted to serve his country in the United States Army in Vietnam. Upon return from Vietnam, he completed his degree in History at ECU and began his career as a high school History teacher and football coach. Later, he went on to become a successful General Contractor building in Raleigh, Rocky Mount, and throughout the Outer Banks. Johnny loved throwing the football with his sons and grandchildren, camping with his young sons, and relaxing on the beach or by a fire pit where typically the topic of conversation was politics. Johnny grilled a mean steak, often while sipping on a good toddy and reminiscing about his football days, marathons, and sock hop music. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling and dressing up for a nice dinner on the town with his sweetheart, Connie, and hanging out on the back deck with their dog Sully.
Johnny is survived by his best friend, Connie; his sons, Jonathan, and his wife Nichola, Jason and his wife Alison, and Benjamin; his grandchildren, Anna and Amy; Jackson and Mary Grace; his sisters, Becky and Isabel; his brother, Gary Bryan; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Johnny’s life will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Visitation with the family will be prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charities close to Johnny’s heart; the Salvation Army and March of Dimes.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Johnny was my high school buddy. He was such a sweetheart. My future husband Mike moved to Rocky Mount right before his senior year and boys like Johnny and his best buddy Palmer Sanders were so welcoming to him. My heart hurts for the family. Rest in peace sweet friend.
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Johnny was one of the kindest humans i have ever known. I knew him since i was 14 years old. he was a big supporter of our band—THE ESSEX back in high school. i never heard him say a bad word about anyone. im sure we will meet again Johnny when i depart this earth. Steve Morgan
Ellen Freeman Matthews
Connie, Folke and I offer our deepest condolences. You are in our prayers. Love, Gayla
So very sorry to hear this ! Johnny was such a nice, kind person… Have known him and his siblings, especially Gary, since our childhood…. Prayers for his family….🙏💕🙏
Al and I are so very sorry for your loss. We will be keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
I vividly remember Johnny from our days at RMSHS. He was such a genuinely nice, kind and unassuming soul . . . and very popular with all.
My deepest sympathy to Gary and the entire Williams family.
Sending love and condolences to your family.
We will always love and miss Johnny, the greatest friend a man ever had. With sincere condolences.
Wishing Gary and his family peace in their hearts.