James Clarence Williams, Sr.

James Clarence Williams, Sr., 87, of Lake City, passed away on Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2026 at the HCA Florida – Lake City Hospital in Lake City, following a brief illness. He was a life-long resident of Lake City, born on January 9, 1939 to the late Luther Virgil Williams and Willeve Wade Williams. Served in the Florida Army National Guard for a little over three years where he learned his trade of being a Truck Driver. He then went to work for the Terry Dicks Trucking Company, where he worked for a number of years before he retired. He was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church; and in his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, watching and cheering on his Florida Gators, eating seafood, teasing his grandchildren and calling and talking to his favorite cousin, Buster. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Linda Gail Williams; and his siblings, Luther Virgil Williams, Jr., Glenn Griffin Williams and Elizabeth Lulu Dennard.

He is surviving by his children, Gloria Gail Mecklberg Smith (Mike) of Colorado, Brenda Lynn Graham (Chucky) of Tennessee, James Dale Williams (Tammy) of Live Oak, Pamela Sue Carter (Tommy) of St. Mary’s, GA, Deborah Thomas of Texas, Robert Edward Thomas of Michigan, Cathy Ann Thomas of Texas, James Clarence Williams, Jr. (Debra) of Lake City, Patricia Lynn Williams of Lake City and Karen Denise Babcock (Stephen) of Live Oak. Favorite cousin & friend, James Gordy “Buster” Williams of Orlando along with twenty-seven grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren, extended family members and friends also survive.

A funeral service for Mr. Williams will be conducted on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Brother Dwight Law officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to the Fellowship Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.