O. Glenn Williams Jr.

Mr. Ollie Glenn Williams, Jr. of Gastonia, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday the 26th of April, 2016 following a brief illness. He was born on July 30th, 1916 in High Point, North Carolina to the late Ollie Glenn Williams, Sr. and Carrie Juanita Bosher Williams. His parents and his siblings, Juanita, Marie and Jack, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Margarette (Marge), his son Ronald, his daughter Linda, his grandchildren, Jennifer and Ron; his great grandchildren, Glenn, Stella and Noah and many beloved nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues.

Both before and after his time in the United States Navy, Mr. Williams had many jobs; welder, auto repair -person, candy salesman, until he found his calling. He was dedicated to serving families at their most fragile and vulnerable time of loss and grief. In 1946, he developed Gaston Memorial Park, where he will be laid to rest. It was in this cemetery that, if ever a family had an immediate need and no money, he gifted them with a cemetery lot, and felt privileged to be able to do so.

He mentored many. He encouraged others to excel, both in work and life. He was a gentleman, a kind and generous soul, a loving husband and father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an adventurer, a sportsman, and cared deeply about his family and friends. He embraced his community, working for the greater good. He was charitable; an active giver. He understood the importance of reaching youth, knowing that our children are the future. He engaged in the betterment of others, especially the underprivileged. The Boys’ Club was one of the many social justice causes that he passionately supported.

Mr. Williams believed in work, fairness and gracious living. He was inclusive, compassionate and kind. He treated everyone with respect and generosity, affording each person he encountered with the dignity he believed we all deserve. He was a businessman and more. He could make anything into a great adventure. He was a jokester, a prankster, and always was ready with a smile and words of encouragement. There was always a twinkle in his eye and a kind word on his lips.

His greatest adventure was a 79 year love affair with his wife. He was dedicated to her happiness until to the day he died. She participated fully in the excitement of a life lived fully. They danced, belly-laughed, played, worked, suffered and transcended together. Their relationship had the makings of a 1940’s Hollywood movie with suspense, hardship, comedy and redemption.

He will be going home to the land that became the business he created so many years ago and nurtured until its sale. Gaston Memorial Park was another love of his life.

Friends will be received at Carothers Funeral Home at 6:00 PM - 8 :00 PM on Friday the 29th of April. His funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday the 30th, also at Carothers Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Joan Martin to officiate. The entombment will follow immediately at Gaston Memorial Park.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Gaston, 310 North Boyd Street, Gastonia, North Carolina 28052, or another children’s charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences and fond memories may be sent to the family at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.

Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Williams family during this difficult time.