Willie Ray Williams

Today we celebrate the homegoing of Mr. Willie Ray Williams, who was born on November 19, 1953, in Grand Junction, Tenn., to the late Mrs. Jennie Mae Anderson and Mr. William “Juby” McKenrich.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, God called him home to rest.

He confessed hope in Christ at an early age with Jones Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Hickory Valley, Tenn., under Reverend McNeal.

After graduating from Collierville High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy serving a total of 15 years achieving the prestigious rank of a Chief Petty Officer as well as awarded the noted Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBNs) pin, a rare designation especially for an African American at that time. Departing from the Navy, he was employed at the Naval Base in Charleston, SC until he resettled in Jackson, TN, employed at Southern Concrete until he retired.

He was united in holy matrimony to Ms. Patricia Bowers on August 14, 1976. He will always be remembered for his cooking and writing skills, his dapper style of dress, his laughter and crazy sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. Shelly and Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, his mother, Mrs. Jennie Mae Anderson, stepfather, Mr. James Anderson, and his brother James “Shane” Anderson.

Willie Ray leaves to cherish his memory: his sister Patricia “Pat” Anderson Faison (Veteran) of Suffolk, Virginia; Four Children, Pamela Williams (Carlos), of Arkansas, Alicia Williams (Robert), her children, Teona Williams and Malique Cole, Michael Williams (Taylor), his children, Malia and Amyiah; and Michelle Williams, her children, Trisstan, RJ, Kayden, & Kaylea. One great-grandchild and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, an uncle, and three aunts Mrs. Bernice Beard, Mrs. Rachel Walker and Mrs. Betty Joe Rivers of Bolivar.

A Celebration of Life was held on June 1 at New St. Luke Baptist Church, Jackson. Burial was held at Highland Memorial Gardens Jackson.