Jesse J Williams

Sergeant Major (SGM) Jesse James Williams was born on July 25, 1932, to the late Mary Lee Rudolph and Buster Williams of Hayneville, Alabama. Affectionately known as “Possum,” Pops, Uncle Jesse, Daddy Williams, and Dad, Jesse was deeply loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He never met a stranger, and his warmth and kindness left a lasting impression wherever he went. On December 23, 2025, Jesse was called to eternal rest.

Jesse leaves to cherish his memory of his devoted wife of more than 70 years, Clara Dee Williams; two sons, Jesse James Williams Jr. (Hampton, GA) and Maurice (Darlene) Williams (Norfolk, VA); two daughters, Brenda Cotman (Chesapeake, VA) and the late Tchernavin Prothro. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Nakia Johnson (VA), Jessica Johnson (VA), Rashad Rogers (VA), Rasheda Gramm (VA), India Sawyer (NC), late Justin Sawyer (VA) Khaneal Johnson (VA), Khalee Prothro (VA), Jesse Williams III, Codie Williams (GA), along with a host of great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by his brother, Roosevelt Williams (AL), and a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Jesse was preceded in death by his twin brother Johnnie Williams, brother Buster Williams, Arthur Williams, Clarence Rudolph, Manuel Rudolph, Lee Earnest Williams, Charlie Williams, J.C. Williams and John Albert Williams, and his sisters Clara Jolly, Mosie Lee Shanks, Cora Barlow, Eugenia Williams, Lena mae Williams, and Azalee Williams, all of Hayneville, Alabama.

Jesse was educated in the Alabama Public School System and later proudly earned his General Education Development (GED) certificate after enlisting in the United States Army.

In 1952, Jesse married Clara Dee Harris and began a distinguished military career. His first tour of duty was at Craig Army Airfield in Selma, Alabama, where he completed basic training and leadership courses. What began as a career soon became a lifelong adventure for Jesse, Clara, and their growing family. He traveled the world, embracing every place he was stationed, including multiple tours in combat zones in the Republic of Vietnam and on the Korean Peninsula.

During his 30 years of dedicated service, Jesse rose through the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks to achieve the highest enlisted rank—Sergeant Major. His final culminating assignment being “The Commandant” at the Senior NCO Academy, Fort Eustis Va. He was widely respected for his leadership, professionalism, and was an example in both appearance and conduct. Being the commandant was his proudest moment! His service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Meritorious Unit Citation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Driver Mechanic Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, among many others. Jesse was frequently sought out for his wisdom, guidance, mentorship, courage, and integrity.

After retiring from the Army, Jesse continued his strong work ethic by serving as a manager with the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Agency for an additional 15 years—until he was finally required to retire due to social security restrictions. His family often joked about the endless military acronyms he and his colleagues used that only they understood. To his coworkers, “Mr. Jesse” was known as a man of order and precision.

In retirement, Jesse enjoyed traveling to visit old friends, spending quality time teasing family and friends, and watching countless hours of CNN—often saying, “I’m getting smart about the world.” The friendships he formed throughout his travels, especially during his military service, became lifelong and unbreakable bonds that endured up until the end.

Jesse loved four things deeply: God, his family, his cars, and the NCO Club. His faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted member of Lynnhaven Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he faithfully served on the church finance team and sometime filled in as a part-time usher. His faith guided every aspect of his life, and his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took pride in supporting his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors.

Jesse found happiness in simple moments—washing his cars, spending time at the NCO Club, sharing stories, laughter, and memories with friends and family, and enjoying blue crabs around the table. Though his voice and demeanor could be stern at times, beneath it all he was a gentle giant. Let’s not be mistaken…everyone knew that while every “yes” often came with a lecture on responsibility! He will be remembered as a motivator, leader and a consummate professional when it mattered most. The love, wisdom, and guidance Jesse poured into his family will endure and will continue to shape our lives forever.

HE WILL BE MISSED!