Johnny loved almost every genre of music, especially jazz. He treasured his extensive album and "reel-to-reel" collection. He often quoted that "music says what words cannot". He was passionate about golf and reigned as our family's walking "book of historical and random facts".
His favorite sister Joyce, always says "Johnny never met a stranger and everyone that knew him, loved him" and its true...
"Johnny Rock" as affectionately called by his mother was solid and true to his loved ones and will never be forgotten.
JW had a list of favorite bible scriptures but top on the inside cover of his journal is Jude 1: 24-25
Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen
Celebrating Johnny
Johnny L. Williams Jr., 58, was born in Evanston, IL on January 17, 1962, he departed this life on December 19, 2020 peacefully in his sleep at his home in Lemon Grove, California.
Johnny was raised in Knoxville, TN. He was baptized in his youth at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He attended Knox County schools. His love of sports started as a young boy on little league teams all the way through college. He excelled in basketball and football at Vine Junior High School. Graduating in the Fulton High School class of 1980 - Johnny was an star player on the baseball and football teams. His hard work at athleticism landed a football scholarship at the University of Tennessee. While at UT he pledged with the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. "#BrotherhoodFirst" - he loved his frat brothers, and remained a UT "Volunteer" in heart no matter if they won or lost on the field.
Johnny relocated to San Diego, California in the late1980’s but never missed an opportunity to share that he was raised out of the "Great Smokey Mountains" in the state of Tennessee. He was employed at the Entertainment Book, Inc for many years helping schools raise funds and grow the education market in San Diego County. This is also where he met Rea in1997. For the last 18 years he dubbed himself a "Non-Voting" Partner at Moore, Shulman and Moore, a family law firm in Del Mar, CA.
Johnny gladly served as an ordained Deacon in good standing. Starting at Faith Chapel (under the leadership of Bishop Roy Dixon) and through the long past transition to City of Hope International under his current Bishop, Terrell Fletcher, DTL. He remained dedicated to the Saturday Morning Men's Prayer Group and other community outreach efforts until COVID restrictions in 2019. He was a former Trustee Board Member as well. Johnny is a proud and active member of the NAACP and current member of the Prince Hall California /Gibraltar Lodge.
Preceded in death by his Father, Johnny L. Williams Sr. and Brother-in-law, Gary B. Huddleston.
Survived to cherish his memory is his wife Rea Williams; daughter Rachel Ann Williams, Sparks, NV; bonus daughters Artesia Carter, San Diego, CA; Tamiko Glover, Detroit, MI; 7 grandchildren blended; Persia Ann, Jazarah Ann, Makaya Ann & Makiya Ann Williams, Sparks, NV; Aariyah, Aareona & Aaron Campbell, San Diego, CA.
Mother, Shirley A. Williams, Knoxville, TN; Sister, Joyce A. Huddleston, Indianapolis, IN; Nephew Gary. S. Huddleston, Indianapolis, IN; Aunt, Joyce B. Armstrong, Knoxville, TN; Uncle Jesse L. (Elfredia) Williams, Sr., Knoxville, TN; as well as other family and close friends too numerous to name.