Henry James Williams

Our beloved Henry James Williams departed this life at the age of 75 to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He was born, the third child, of the late Henry Williams and Ruby Hair Williams on June 18, 1950 in Newberry County, SC. Henry attended public schools in Newberry, SC and graduated from Gallman High School in the class of 1968. After high school, Henry joined the Army and he served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a supply person. After relocating to Virginia, Henry worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the Newport News Shipyard for a few years. Henry was employed by U-Haul, retiring after 19 years of dedicated service. He later went to work for The Virginian Pilot as a carrier working for 11 years until his health made it impossible to do. Lovingly called "Brother Dear” by his sister, Henry was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was one that still kept in touch with his childhood friends. Henry loved his family and he especially loved his grandchildren. Henry had a distinctive relationship with his granddaughter, Krystal, who was raised in the home for many years. He affectionately called her “Boo Baby.” Henry loved the Lord and thanked God for his many blessings. Brother Henry was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Camelot for many years. Over the years, he served in the Senior Choir, Men’s Chorus and the Men’s Fellowship Ministry at Camelot. He also served as a trustee on the Trustee Board where he put to use many of his handy man skills like masonry repairs, re-anchoring the church pews, and re-wiring the PA system. Throughout his long bout with chronic illnesses, God had been his source of strength allowing him to navigate ongoing physical, emotional and financial challenges. He was always pleasant and never complained about what he was going through. Enduring his long-term illness the way he did demonstrated his trust in God’s promises transforming suffering into a testimony of His strength. He had a great love for music and sports and was very loyal to his beloved “Dallas Cowboys.” He also loved working on cars. As a young man, he learned to work on cars working alongside his father. Taking advantage of the fact that he was good at analyzing how things worked, he became a self-taught master auto mechanic. You might say that he was a “Jack of All Trades” attending to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing issues at his home. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Henry Williams; two sisters, Jennie Lee Williams and Debra J. Glymph; and two sons, Reginald Crockett and Henry Williams. Henry was dearly loved by his family and friends. Though his sweet presence will be sorely missed, he will forever live in the treasured memories of those who knew and loved him. Those who celebrate his life and cherish loving memories include his devoted wife, Annie; son, Cedrick L. Williams (Tamika) of Hampton, VA; daughter, Beverly Mayers (Larry)of Newberry, SC; one honorary daughter Kriss Gillett of Port St. Lucie, FL; 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, three sisters, Mrs. Mary Ellen Young, Mrs. Annie Bell (Allen) Wicker both of Newberry, SC, and Mrs. Addie M.(Rev. Cecil) Wicker of Chesapeake, VA; Two Brother-InLaws, Benny Hankerson (Mae) of Waynesboro, GA and Jerome Glymph of Newberry, SC; and one Sister-In-Law Ida Crockett of Philadelphia, PA; one nephew reared in the home, Raymond E. Williams of Newberry, SC; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including one special childhood friend, Horace Williams, of Fayetteville, NC.

Henry James Williams

June 18, 1950 - February 21, 2026