Roosevelt Williams Jr.

Born on April 8, 1952, in Macon, MS, Roosevelt was the son of Callie Mae (Smith) Williams and the late Roosevelt “Bubba” Williams Sr. He was known for his kind heart, strong opinions, love of the outdoors, and deep connections with his neighbors. He was lovingly known as "Rosie" by his family and close friends. Roosevelt accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and maintained a steadfast relationship with God throughout his life. He was a lifelong member of Second Timothy Baptist Church in Springfield, IL.

Roosevelt attended Noxubee County High School in Macon, MS, before moving to Springfield, IL, in 1974. He proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Devens, MA. While previously married to Minnie Pearl, with whom he had two children, their relationship evolved into a lasting friendship. On September 22, 1989, Roosevelt married Michelle Watts, his devoted wife, in Springfield, IL.

He worked as an electrician and was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 193. Roosevelt contributed to the Springfield community for fifty years, serving as both an electrician and a contractor. His passions included watching Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right, fishing, barbecuing, and actively participating in his church and Bible study group, where he shared his love for his faith and church family.

Roosevelt was preceded in death by his father, Roosevelt “Bubba” Williams Sr.; his brother, Roy Lee Williams; and his sister, Dorothy Mae Johnson.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Michelle (Watts) Williams of Springfield, IL; ex-wife, Minnie Pearl of Springfield, IL; his mother, Callie Mae (Smith) Williams of Springfield, IL; his children: LaToya Tamara Williams of Springfield, IL; LaMaar Tremaine (Jayda) Williams of Springfield, IL; Tiffani Ann Williams of Rochester, IL; and Nichole Renée (Matthew) Pearson of Rochester, IL; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his cherished toy poodles, Leo and Oliver. He also leaves behind his siblings: Abraham Williams and Bernice (Rev. Steven) Richie of Springfield, IL; Robert (Barbara) Williams of Warner Robins, GA; L.C. (Brenda) Jones, Carleen Glass, and Colleen Glass of Macon, MS; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

Memorial Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, with Pastor Gary Holman officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by IVBDSC and DOD. A repast will be served at Second Timothy Baptist Church, located at 1122 E. Pine St., Springfield, IL 62703.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Callie Mae Williams Scholarship in Roosevelt’s honor.