A life well lived is a precious gift, of hope and strength and grace, from someone who has made our world a better place. It's filled with moments, sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears, with friendships formed and good times shared, and laughter through the years. A life well lived is a legacy, of joy and pride and pleasure, a living, lasting memory our grateful heart's will treasure.  ~Author Unknown

Such a legacy has been left by John Sherman Williams, Jr. of Xenia. John, age 84, departed this world on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Miami Valley Hospital. He was born April 3, 1932, in Cedarville, Ohio to John S. Williams, Sr. and Viola Travis Williams.

John was a proud graduate of Spring Valley High School- Class of 1950. Following graduation, he completed an apprenticeship in welding and had a successful career as a welder until starting his own heating and air conditioning business- Williams & Sons Contractors, Inc. John also owned several rental properties in Xenia. He was a well respected entrepreneur and landlord. John was a member of the Plumber & Steamfitter Union.

John married Imogene (Jean) Hilterbrand on July 17, 1950. They were married 48 years and were the parents of five children- Lonnie, Johnnie, Cindy, Barbara, and Brenda. After Jean passed away, John and the family were blessed with the addition of his current wife, Mary Jones Little, of Toney, Alabama for 17 years.

In addition to his parents and first wife, John was predeceased by his daughters, Barbara and Brenda, a brother, Jerry Williams, his brothers-in-law, Douglas Bransford and Ivan Swift, niece, Judy May, nephew, Mark Storer, and grandson, Noah Cullen. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Mary, are his sons Lonnie (Charlene) Williams of Charlotte, NC; Johnnie (Sharon) Williams of Springfield, OH; and Michael Little of Ardmore, TN;  daughters Cindy (Rick) Stump of Xenia, OH and Tanya (Jeff) Cleary of Key Largo, FL; grandchildren- Daryle (Jessica) Williams; Donna Shaw; Jack (Soni) Shaw; Michael Williams; David (Hannah) Williams; Tim (Crissie) Gibson; Cindy Gibson; Barbara Stump; Andrew Williams; Bethany (Travis) Tibbs; Andrea (Donnie) Ervin, Amanda (Matt) Smith; and Annie Cullen. John is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sisters Lynda Branford and Earlene Storer; sister-in-law, Ruth Swift.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2016, at Xenia First Church of the Nazarene- 1204 W. Second Street Xenia, OH. A celebration of John's life will be held Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Xenia First Church of the Nazarene with Pastors Harold Horton and Dar Hensley officiating. Interment will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Xenia. The family invites relatives and friends to share refreshments and their memories of John following the graveside service at the church.

For those who wish to remember John in a special way, a scholarship benefitting local students in Greene County wishing to develop a trade in welding, plumbing, or HVAC will be established in his memory. Donations can be made to The John S. Williams, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church or donations can be mailed directly to The Greene County Community Foundation 941 W. Second Street Xenia, OH 45385. Checks should be payable to The Greene County Community Foundation with "John Williams Scholarship" listed in the memo. Online condolences can be expressed at www.neeldfuneralhome.com .

John Williams was an avid golfer and he enjoyed coaching softball. He had a gift of writing poetry and shared many of his personal thoughts through prose. John loved his God, the Church, and taking trips to various mission fields in Belize, Haiti, Papua New Guinea, Swaziland, and the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona. He loved his family and was so proud to wear many hats as Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Papaw, Daden, and Uncle Jr. John loved his community and his tenants. He was the sweetest, most selfless man and will be missed terribly by so many.