Ervin Williams, Jr.

Born September 25, 1927 – walked into the arms of Jesus September 13, 2021. He was 93.

He had many names, Junior, Uncle Will, Pop, Daddy, yet the one he loved the most was Papaw. He loved his grandchildren and they loved him. There was not anything he wouldn’t do for his girls. He would spend countless hours playing whatever they chose. One favorite was going to the Dairy Queen drive-through for ice cream while he pulled them in their red wagon.

He worked hard all his life. For many years he worked two jobs while keeping a huge garden. He loved tilling the soil of his garden. He would put in numerous hours of labor so family and friends would enjoy fresh vegetables.

Uncle Will served on the Jackson Fire Department for 37 years. From 1959 until retirement in 1996, at the rank of Lieutenant. He was known throughout the Fire Department as a great cook. Many high-ranking officials, including the Mayor and the Governor, would join them at Station 8, Battlefield Park for lunch.

He loved his Lord. Often, he would say, “they can take things away but they can never stop us from praying!” Every morning you could find him reading his Bible. This could be at home or at work until his eyesight was robbed from the disease of Macular Degeneration.

He served as a deacon, greeter, and Sunday School teacher at Magnolia Park, Northwest Hills, and Old Vicksburg Road Baptist churches.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Arlene Smith Williams; his sister, Geraldine Johnson; and brothers, Joe Crenshaw and Bill Crenshaw. He is survived by his children, Royce E. Williams (Cindy) and Melesia Williams Rutland (Danny); grandchildren, Mandy Rutland Horton (Jason), Meredith Rutland Wiegartner (Jay), Laurel Williams, and Shannon Linkous; great-grandchildren, Hunter Horton, Baleigh Horton, Grant Wiegartner, Haley Linkous, and Alexa Linkous. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Mitchell (Wendall) and Faye Murrell (Bob); his cousin, whom he called Sis, Elaine Mosley. He had several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, as they did him.

Just as he was welcomed into the arms of Jesus, he is now shaking hands, smiling and welcoming many into his heavenly home.

“Well done thy good and faithful servant”.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Hospice Ministries, 450 Towne Center Blvd, Ridgeland, MS 39157, Attention: Suzanna Britt.

Visitation will be Friday, September 17 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Reeds Chapel Baptist Church in Stewart, MS.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Reeds Chapel Cemetery. Son-in-law, Danny R. Rutland will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Baldy Collins, Winston Gale, Jason Horton, Billy Johnson, Robert “Stump” Love, Turner Luttrell and Jay Wiegartner.