Larry Thurston Williams

He was born on March 22, 1942, in Barney in south Walker County. He graduated in 1960 from Walker County High School, where he was active in the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and served as a bus driver. It was on the bus where he winked at a girl, Glenda Jones (of Jones Dairy), who later became his wife when they were wed on Nov. 3, 1962, in Jasper.

He attended at Walker College and discovered that college life was not in his future. He gained employment in the poultry industry and worked many years for Gold Kist and Marshall Durbin. He had always desired to be a carpenter and opened a cabinet making business in the mid 1970s, which produced kitchen cabinets and bath vanities for new and remodeled homes.

When house building slowed in the early 1980s recession, he transitioned into truck driving and worked again for Gold Kist. Later, he opened his own trucking company and worked as a long-haul truck driver, traveling through 46 of the contiguous United States. He retired and closed his business in 2013.

He was saved at a lay witness mission in 1973, was baptized and became a member of Zion United Methodist Church (now Zion Church of Jasper). He served the Lord and witnessed to many during his life’s journey. He never met a stranger, often talking to most anyone he would meet. It was important to him for everyone to have a good time and was often found telling stories, making people laugh and reaching out for conversation.

Music was important to him. He took piano lessons at an early age but later played most of his music by ear. He served as church pianist for 50 years and also played at numerous weddings, funerals and varied special events. He loved traditional Southern gospel hymns and would often attend Bill Gaither concerts.

Alabama football was his sport passion. He attended games with his children, where many would signal him out as Paul W. “Bear” Bryant reincarnated, because of his uncanny resemblance while wearing a houndstooth hat. Family time was important to him and family gatherings were always a top priority. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

The family will be receiving friends on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, from 12 noon until 2 p.m., at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Kilgore-Green Chapel, with burial at Walker Memory Gardens. Rev. Anthony Gilbreath and Rev. J.R. Finney, II will officiate.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Covie L. and Ann R. Williams; and infant son, Chad Brandon Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Jones Williams; sons, Michael R. Williams and Christopher S. Williams (Marcie); one grandchild, Olivia Claire Williams; and a host of extended family members and friends.