Chaplain Steve Williams

George Stephen “Steve” Williams, age 67, of Macclenny, Florida, passed away on May 4, 2026. Born on May 7, 1958, in Beaufort, South Carolina. Steve was raised on Lady’s Island and graduated from Beaufort High School in 1976 as Class President, Football Captain, and Salutatorian.

Steve continued his education at Furman University, was ordained and earned his Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. He completed chaplain residencies at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville in 1985–86 and again in 1994–95. He served as the founding pastor of Grays Hill Baptist Church in Beaufort (a new church start) from 1987 to 1994. In 1994, he returned to Baptist Hospital Jacksonville, where he faithfully served as a chaplain for over 31 years until his retirement in 2025.

Steve touched countless lives through his ministry, offering compassion, wisdom, and spiritual guidance to patients, families, and staff alike. He was deeply involved in Grays Hill Baptist Church, which began in a modest storefront. Several years later, a foundation was established and a beautiful sanctuary was completed. There, lasting Christian friendships and bonds were formed that became enduring treasures. Steve cherished his fellow chaplains, finding deep camaraderie, mutual encouragement, and shared purpose through years of ministry together.

A lifelong learner who was deeply inquisitive and brilliant, Steve was known for his kind and compassionate heart. He loved engaging conversations, fishing especially with his brother Mike, shooting clays and targets at the gun range, mentoring others, took great joy in making delicious pound cakes for various events (especially for the nurses) using his mother’s recipe, being fully present with family and friends.

Steve and Jane especially enjoyed traveling together, in their 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible. They loved being in nature and watching many beautiful sunrises along the Eastern coastline and beautiful sunsets in Key West and the Outerbanks of NC. In recent years, they enjoyed porch gatherings at Max and Debbie’s, sharing good food, dominoes, laughter and games. Whether offering the perfect back scratch to one of the family cats or teaching his grandchildren backgammon, Steve enjoyed his grandkids and gave generously of his time, patience, and wisdom.

Above all, Steve was a strong Christian and a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. One of his favorite Bible verses was Psalm 23. Steve lived with the prayer that one day he would hear his Savior say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” That hope became his lasting legacy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Jane Williams, who stood faithfully by his side through every season of life. Together they shared a lifetime of strong Christian beliefs, laughter, heartfelt conversations, and a deep, abiding love that never wavered; daughters Bridgett Byrd (Jimmy) and Beth Sparkman (Clinton); grandchildren Kimberly Byrd, Gavin Sparkman, Brian Sparkman, Aaron Byrd, Winston Sparkman, Jess Sparkman, and Riley Byrd; brother Michael Graves (Cindy); brother-in-law Max Smith (Debbie); nieces Nicki Boshell (Matthew) and Averi Drawdy (Graham) and nephew Trey Smith (Hayley); and great-nieces and great-nephews Ava Smith, Levi Morgan, Faith Smith, David Smith, Addy Jane Smith, Jakob Boshell, and Nova Boshell. He was preceded in death by his biological father, George Williams, and by his mother, Drucilla Graves and father Ashley Graves.

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, on May 15, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, on May 16, 2026, at 11:00 am.

The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/Z7QtRTuSwF8 ,

https://www.youtube.com/live/gCXwCpSW0Tw

A Committal Service will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, on May 16, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be

made to Baptist Health Foundation:

baptistjax.com/about-us/give

FL Baptist Children’s Home:

[email protected].