A funeral service for Jesse Harrelle Williams, long time resident of Killeen will be at 2:00 pm Monday, May 20 at Crawford-Bowers funeral home in Killeen, Pastor Justin Moss of Memorial Baptist Church officiating. Mr. Williams was born December 1, 1922, to Harry Lee Williams and Essie Marie Ferguson Williams in Rockdale, Texas. He is survived by wife Dorothy Williams and their three children: Joan Williams of Royse City, Texas; Harry Williams and wife Rita of Belton, Texas; and Peggy Morrison and husband Ron of Newalla, Oklahoma. Also surviving are grandchildren Shannon and Mike Hessert, Jeff Burkhart, Stacey Benoit, Kim Partain, Chris and Leigh Treat, and Shelly Voyles; 13 great grandchildren and sisters, Wanda Scott and Joyce Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Darrelle Williams; and grandson, Harry Lee Williams.
Mr. Williams attended Rockdale schools and soon after joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, a depression era government program to provide young people with job training and work. He also received training in the National Youth Corps which led to a job with Boing Aircraft in Seattle, Washington. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he proudly served his country during World War II as a line mechanic and crew chief on B17, B24, and B27 planes. He was honorably discharged in 1946, and for his service was awarded the American Theater Campaign medal, the Good Conduct medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
In the fifties, Mr. Williams was the owner and operator of Williams’ Garage and Wrecking Yard in Simmonsville and later Williams’ Service Station and Garage in Killeen. After selling his business, he worked as shop manager for McDaniel Firestone and as service manager for Shine Brothers Goodyear until his retirement in 1989.
In 1945, Mr. Williams married the love of his life, Dorothy Morrison. They were married for 74 years and three months at the time of his death on May 12, 2019.
Mr. Williams was a member of Memorial Baptist Church and those left behind are comforted by the knowledge that he is a child of Christ and currently resides with Him in Heaven where he is free of pain and suffering. He was greatly loved and leaves friends and family with a lifetime of memories. He will be missed.
