Gerald Hamon Williams

Jerry was born December 28, 1942, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to Ida Lee Kinard and James Williams. He grew up with his brother, Joel, and sister, Janie, and although his life would eventually take him to Tennessee, the Mobile, Alabama, area would always hold a special place in his heart.

Jerry graduated from the University of Montevallo, where he met Nancy, the woman with whom he would share the next six decades of his life. They married in August 1965 at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. In August 2026, Jerry and Nancy celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

Jerry enjoyed a 35-year career with International Paper Company from 1965 until his retirement in 2000. He began his career working at the company's mill in Pascagoula, Mississippi. His career later took him into an executive position in Mobile, Alabama, before he relocated with International Paper's telecommunications division to Memphis, Tennessee, where his family ultimately put down roots.

While raising their family, Jerry and Nancy lived for many years in Grand Bay, Alabama. Jerry was a hard worker, but his involvement didn't stop when the workday ended. He gave his time freely to the activities that were important to his children. Through the years, he volunteered with the band, taught swimming and synchronized swimming, coached swimming and tennis, and even served with the volunteer police department in Grand Bay.

Jerry loved the Gulf Coast, particularly Mobile Bay, Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island. Fishing and boating were favorite pastimes, and Alabama football Saturdays found him firmly in the corner of his beloved Crimson Tide.

But perhaps no hobby was more Jerry's than woodworking. He loved working with his hands and turning pieces of wood into something his family could enjoy. His projects ranged from Adirondack chairs, swings and arbors to go-karts and countless other creations made for his children and grandchildren. His woodworking was something he genuinely loved, and many of the things he built became part of the homes and lives of the people he loved.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Long Williams; his three children, Jennifer (Tom) Reith, Candy (Lonnie) Craig and Michael Williams; his seven grandchildren, Morgan Ivy, Joshua Van Dyke, Ellie Van Dyke, Hunter Craig, Jackson Craig, Harrison Craig and Cody Williams; four great-grandchildren; and his sister, Janie Kinard Hesser.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ida Lee Kinard and James Williams, and his brother, Joel Williams.

Jerry was Catholic and attended Church of the Incarnation in Collierville, Tennessee. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. A Liturgy of the Word will follow at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to Young Life at www.giving.younglife.org