Gerald F. Williams

Gerald F. Williams, 88, of Maryville, TN, went to be with the Lord, January 20, 2014 at Island Home Nursing Home surrounded by family. Gerald loved Southern Gospel Music, picking his guitar, and singing for his Savior. He was a great prayer warrior and later in life felt lead to pray three times a day. Gerald also loved to read God's word. He was at church every time the doors were open until he was no longer able to attend. He attended Gadston Church in Paris, TX for years. When he and wife Mary moved to Tennessee they attended Unitia Free Holiness Church in Friendsville. Gerald served our country 1944 – 1945. He was drafted from high school to 145th Infantry Thunderbird Division. He received a medical discharge with a purple heart after being wounded in action in Germany. He also received two bronze stars. Gerald also attended Stamps-Baxter Singing School in Dallas, TX with the like of James Blackwood and Glen Payne. Gerald was preceded in death by; Parents, Fred & Emily; Brothers, Roy, Oscar, and Arthur; Sisters, Golden, Ruth, Dora, Lola, Beulah and Virgie; Son, Bobby. Survivors include: Wife, Mary Belle Williams; Son, Wayne Williams & wife Myra; Daughter-in-law, Annette Williams; Grandchildren, Robert Williams & Kathy, Yvonne Williams, Martin Huzir Williams & Elixa and Laura Anthony & Lavelle; Great-Grandchildren, Sara, Abby, Bobby, Nicholas, Grace Anne, Yasuri, Yanelly, and Myles; lots of nieces and nephews and friends. Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM, Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Smith West Chapel with Carl Guider and Rev. Charles Swicegood officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 1:00 PM, Friday, January 24, 2014 at Unitia Cemetery for the interment. Memorial donations may be made to your local VA Organization. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Smith West Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithLifeandLegacy.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gerald F. Williams please visit our Sympathy Store.