Rev. Dr. James Williams

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up
for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not
to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8


The life of Rev. Dr. James Edward “Cheetah” Williams began on April 18, 1942, in Greenville, South Carolina. He was the first child of the late Agnes Jones. On Tuesday, September 6, 2016, James was given his wings to come home to be with his Savior.

Rev. Williams was a member of Union Baptist Church where Rev. W.H. Cox is the pastor. Rev. Williams attended Greenville County Schools. After receiving the “call to preach the Word of God,” he was licensed and ordained at Union Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. He attended Martin Webb Learning Center School of Ministry. He also attended Christian International College where he received an Associate of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies and later an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Berkley located in Michigan. He was a thirty-second degree Mason/Shriner and Worshipful Master of White Hill Lodge No.565.

Rev. Williams pastored Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Belton, South Carolina and Campfield Baptist Church in Abbeville, South Carolina. He served in the Rocky River Baptist Association, Little River Baptist Association, and Enoree Baptist Association. He was also a member of the Interdenominational Ministers Association (IMA) of Greer.

He was a licensed insurance agent who worked for various insurance companies in the Greenville County area. He worked as a substitute teacher for the Greenville County School System at Berea High School, Southside High School, Blythe Elementary School, Mauldin High School, and others. After retirement, he began working for the American Security at Baldor in Greenville. He also taught Bible Study every Monday at the Mt. Pleasant Recreational Center.

He is survived by his wife, Rev. Annette Shumate Williams of the home; son, Rev. Sean E. Williams of Columbia; daughter, Blythe M. Dixon and son-in-law, Brandon O. Dixon, both of Charlotte, NC; grandsons, Brandon Jr., Braeden, Bryce, and Braxton Dixon; sisters, Ruby Nell Jones and Ruth Ann Durham, both of Greenville; brothers, Charles Jones and Anthony Jones, both of Greenville; aunt, Elizabeth Williams of Greenville; sisters-in-law, Susan (William) Johns, Barbara Gamble and Zelphia Sullivan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.