John Williams

Mr. John Henry Williams, Jr., peacefully departed this life on Saturday, February 2, 2019. He was born on July 15, 1943, to the late John H. Williams Sr. and Lucille Walker Williams. Reared in Greenville, South Carolina, he attended the Greenville County public schools and graduated from Sterling High School in 1961.


Following high school graduation, he served in the United States Air Force for eight (8) years. Mr. Williams received an Associate Degree from Greenville Technical College; a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; and did further study at Appalachian State University, Boone NC; Clemson University, Clemson, SC; Furman University, Greenville, SC and General Electric Management Institute, Ossining, NY.


Mr. Williams was always an active church member. As a young man, he attended Macedonia Baptist Church and later joined Bethlehem Baptist Church where he served on the following: Building Committee, Finance Committee, the Brotherhood and the Sunday School department. He also played a major role in planning the new Bethlehem Life Center.


Mr. Williams’ professional and civic achievements were many. While at General Electric, he was appointed the first Black Plant Manager in 1979 and has distinguished himself as a trail blazer throughout his life. He lived a life dedicated to serving mankind in a mighty way. He served as an outstanding mentor to many and a role model to help guide those seeking a better life. He was a member of the Greenville Branch of the NAACP; Past President Board of Directors, Greenville Gas Turbine Employees Federal Credit Union; Past Member of Greenville Technical College Advisory Committee for Welding; Greenville Private Industry Council; National Alliance of Business College Youth Motivation Task Force; South Carolina State University Advisory Committee for Engineering; Greenville County Human Relation Commission and the Greenville County School District Facilities Planning Committee.

He was an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a Life member since 1977. His Omega service and awards include Sixth District Representative and First Vice District Representative; Basileus and Vice Basileus of Mu Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Man of the Year; Dean of Education; Keeper of Records and Seals; Member of Talent Hunt Committee; Keeper of Properties; Chairman of the Mardi Gras; Chairman of Audit Committee; Chairman of Achievement Week Observance; Founder-Retired Ques Breakfast Club; Recommendations Committee; Regional Membership Selection Team; Area District Representative; Regional Membership Intake Chairman; District Regional Membership Intake Chairman; Sixth District Nominating Committee; Chairman of District Regional Membership Selection Process. He received the District Representative’s Certificate/Gift of Appreciation in 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2002. He was also a delegate to several Grand Conclaves and Leadership Conferences. In addition, he was a member of the International Membership Intake Committee. Mr. Williams received the 25-year pin at the 72nd Grand Conclave in Charlotte, NC.


Mr. Williams is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three (53) years, Mrs. Geraldine McGowan Williams of the home; two sons, Mr. Reginald Carlton (Carole) Williams of Atlanta, GA, and Mr. Christopher Williams of Simpsonville, SC; two granddaughters, Miss Zahra and Miss Zhane Williams of Atlanta, GA; one sister, Mrs. Betty (Melvin) Reid of Atlanta, GA; three brothers, Mr. Estee (Joyce) Langston, Dr. James (Frankie) Williams, and Mr. Melvin Williams (Alice) all of Easley, SC; one sister-in-law, Edith McGowan Makenta; and a host of other relatives and friends.