John Wayne Williams

John Wayne Williams, 70, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on September 20, 2015. John was born into the loving home of the late John Hix Williams and Rubye Hanna Williams on June 28, 1945 and, except for a short period of time during school and after marriage, lived on the land he was born and had been in his family for almost 200 years. A graduate of North Side High School, John excelled as a student and received numerous band and music awards, as well as academic accolades. It was while he was in high school that John met the former Jane Stowe, who became his wife in 1967. John graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a MS in Engineering Administration. He joined the Jackson Utility Division as a co-operative engineering student while he was in college and spent his entire career there, working his way to President and CEO in 1990 and transforming JUD into its current form, Jackson Energy Authority. While President and CEO of JEA, he also became President and CEO of The Tennergy Corporation.

John was heavily involved in the Jackson-Madison County community, serving on more boards and receiving more awards and accolades than can be listed. John was also very active in his family church, Ward’s Grove Baptist Church, using his love for the Lord, leadership skills and knowledge in serving as Deacon and church Treasurer for many years. In addition, he was a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir, served on various church committees, and was a trustee for the church.

John served as Chairman of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and was a member of Team Madison County and well as the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He served as Co-chair of the All Board Jackson workforce and economic development program, and was appointed or elected to many of the committees and offices, including the presidency, of such regional and national utility associations as the American Public Power Association, The Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, the Western District Managers Association, the American Public Gas Association, and the Tennessee Gas Association. He was a past president of the Jackson Rotary Club and named a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees at Union Planters Bank, West Tennessee Regional Blood Center, Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence, Union University, and the University School of Jackson. John was the Exchange Club Man of the Year in 2002.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Jane, his son, John Jason Williams, his daughter, Kathryn (Katy) Leigh Williams (Ellis), two granddaughters, Anna Kathryn and Charlotte (Charli) Elyse Ellis, and a multitude of extended family and friends. His presence in the lives of so many will be sorely missed, but his influence and love will be felt forever. John Williams was a man of dignity, honor, and service – a giant among men. His impact on so many will be felt for years to come.

Visitation will be held from 3-8pm, Wednesday, September 23, at George A. Smith and Sons on North Highland Avenue in Jackson, Tennessee. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, September 24 at Ward’s Grove Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ward’s Grove Baptist Church.