Jarvis Williams

Jarvis M. "Joe" Williams, 88, of Hanahan, SC entered into eternal rest December 29, 2016. Joe was born October 7, 1928 to the late Albert Williams, Sr. and Nettie Mozingo Williams, of Goldsboro, NC. Joe loved working in his yard and around his house and was very handy, but his true passion was flying. Joe had a long and distinguished career in the Army Air Corps and the US Air Force. He retired after more than 30 years of service in active duty, reserve and civil services roles. Joe served primarily within the Military Airlift Command in various Flight Engineer capacities, including Instructor, Examiner and Recruiter. During his Air Force career, he had the privilege of serving with airmen who became lifelong friends, primarily at Donaldson AFB (Greenville, SC), Scott AFB (Belleville, IL) and Charleston AFB (Charleston, SC) and across a number of airframes, but most notably the C-124 ("Old Shakey") and the C-141 ("Starlifter"). Joe also enjoyed many years on the lake "fishing for stripers" with some of those same characters - sharing many a laugh and smile while reliving the memories of a number of their previous flying and fishing trips together. It was said once that Joe came from a unique generation of men, the likes of whom this world may never know again. Their commitment to God, Country, and Family were embodied every day in the high moral and ethical standards they lived by. Joe will always be remembered for the dedication, sacrifice, commitment, reliability, selflessness, humility, respect, courtesy and tireless energy he gave each and every day. The way he lived his life as a true gentlemen and patriot sets him apart as a role model for generations to come. Joe was also a member of Highland Park Baptist Church (Hanahan, SC) where he, and the love of his life, Betty, had been members since 1969. Joe was raised in a spiritual and faith-committed family and continued to pray out loud before each and every meal. Even in his last days when his efforts to thank his Lord for his many blessings came out in difficult, and sometimes hardly audible words, he stayed true to his heartfelt and forever humble faith and love in his God. Joe is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kerry and Helen Williams (Davidson, NC); grandchildren Kelly Stanton (Westfield, NJ), Scott Williams (Arlington, MA), Greg Williams (Concord, MA) and Kyle and Kit Williams (Davidson, NC); his brother and sister-in-law Maurice A. and Hazel Williams (Roebuck, SC); sisters Rachel W. Cox (Columbia, SC); Peggy A. Williams (Goldsboro, NC) and Sandra Faye Ivey (Benson, NC); as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his loving bride, Betty K. Williams (Hanahan, SC); his son Joseph D. "Jake" Williams (Summerville, SC); parents Albert Williams Sr. and Nettie Mozingo Williams (Dudley, NC); sister Pauline W. Shafer (Goldsboro, NC); brothers Leslie M. Williams (Spartanburg, SC), Arthur C. Williams (New Bern, NC), Albert Williams, Jr. (Dudley, NC), Arnold R. Williams (Summerville, SC), and Carroll J. "CJ" Williams (Dudley, NC). Visitation will be 1:00 - 1:45 PM Monday, January 2, 2017, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM at the Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Tim Williams. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association. The family is at their respective homes. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jarvis "Joe" Williams please visit our Sympathy Store.