John R. Williams

John R. Williams, 43, of Battle Creek, passed away, Monday, February 25, 2013 at Bronson Medical Center in Battle Creek. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 A.M. Friday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Glenn Rosenbaum officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center Fund @ Indiana University Foundation. Those wishing to sign John’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. John was born March 9, 1969 in St. Joseph to John Steve & Eva Jean (Henderson) Williams. He was employed in construction by Chelsie Corporation in St. Joseph. John enjoyed playing basketball and was a fan of Larry Bird when he played for Indiana State & the Boston Celtics. He enjoyed his BMX bike, weight lifting and most of all being around people to share his sense of humor. John is survived by his grandparents-William & Paulean “Polly” Hardin of Stevensville, Rosa Newton of Benton Harbor; his son Jesse Gillum of Battle Creek; his siblings-Tara Richardson, Angie Wright, Tonya Garcia, Melissa (Steve) Brady, Lori Garcia, Rey Garcia, Jr., Shawn (Stephanie) Garcia; aunts & uncles-William A. & Karen Hardin of Lawrence, Etta Little of Benton Harbor, Corda & Richard Moss of Decatur, MI; nieces & nephews-Courtni (Byron) Alexander, Damon & Caleb Richardson, Raven & Riley Wright; and numerous cousins & extended family. John was preceded in death by his parents, and two grandfathers-Walter Newton & James C. Henderson.