Jesse Ellis Williams

BENTON, LA - Jesse Ellis Williams, 85, surrounded by his loving family, went to be with the Lord on December 11, 2014, following a brief illness. Jesse was born in Tippo, Mississippi on February 8, 1929.

He served in the Korean War from 1950-1952. After returning from the war, he became an accountant for Texas Eastern and graduated from University of Houston in 1957. In 1958, he was transferred to the Shreveport area, and he and his family made their home in Benton. For many years, he was a personal accountant for many Bossier Parish residents. He served on the Bossier Parish Police Jury from 1996-2007 and was elected as President from 2001-2002. He was the director of Cypress Black Bayou from 1981-1983. He was one of the founders of First National Bank of Benton in 1982 and President from 1982-1994. He served on many boards and committees in the community throughout his lifetime. He was especially proud of the 12th Man Award (Hoss Newman Award) bestowed upon him in 2008 for supporting Benton High School Athletics.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Sharpe Williams, and mother, Annie Mae Dickerson. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan Hammett Williams, his children, Debbie Ross, husband, Ben, Greg Williams, wife, Jan, Dwayne Williams, wife, Cindy, Vicki Holloway, husband, Robert, Robert Williams, wife, Judy, and Jay Williams, special friend Frances, his grandchildren, Brent Ross, wife, Kristina, Wendy Osentoski, husband, Nick, Jenny Panettiere, husband, Joe, Ashley Chance, husband, Tim, McKenzie Holloway, husband, Seth, Mallory Williams, Molly Williams, Jarrod Holloway, wife, Megan, Brandon Williams, wife, Neely, Michael Williams, Jennifer Whitlock, Jessica Upton, husband, Joe, Jamie Kellogg, Brittainy, Logan and Cassidy Williams, who affectionately called him, "Jesse Pa,"great grandchildren, Ava Ross, Addie Ross, Matthew Osentoski, Jaxson Panettiere, Zoë Panettiere, Townes Chance, Shelby Whitlock, Kaylee Whitlock, Wade Upton, and Paige Holloway, brother James Williams, wife, Wanda, sister, Patricia Rogers, and husband Mills.

"Jesse Pa" was known and loved by all who knew him. He talked to each of his six children every day. Family and friends were his life. People naturally gravitated to his sparkling personality and light hearted humor. He had the unique ability to make every person he met feel as if they were the most important person in the world. He lived an exemplary life, an example to be followed by all. He loved hunting, gardening and spending time with those he loved. There was an unwritten open door policy at his home. Any and all were welcomed with open arms any day of the year, but especially on holidays. His legacy and love will continue through the lives of his wife, children and grandchildren and every life he touched.

Visitation will be on Saturday, December 13 from 4-7 P.M. at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home. Services will be held on Sunday, December 14 at 2 P.M. at Cypress Baptist Church with Brother Billy Pierce officiating. Interment will be at Hill Crest following the service. Pall bearers will be the grandsons and grand sons-in-laws and honorary pallbearers are Bill Altimus, Jack Batson, John Bundy, Rick Christian, Wilton Corley, Dr. Michael Crawford, Mark Coutee, Larry Deen, Luther Ewing, Bob Heverley, Butch Ford, Patrick Jackson, Craig Johnson, Robert Lawrence, Luke Turner, and Don Whittington.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Michael Moore, Dr, Vicki Cobb, Darlene Jorgensen, Ashley Crowder and Sarah Gruner and the staff of WK. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Louisiana Baptist Children's Home and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .