Joel Williams

Joel was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1979 and subsequently lived in Kentucky, Germany, Ohio and Maryland where he graduated from Arundel High School. While there he ran cross country and captained the "It's Academic" team. He pursued computer engineering at Lehigh University and while in the university choir under the direction of Stephen Sametz toured China, Korea, Thailand, Russia and many States in the USA. He was a founding member of the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF PCA) while at Lehigh and worshipped at the Lehigh Valley Presbyterian Church in Allentown.

After graduation Joel worked as an engineer at Northrop Grumman in Maryland for several years, then moved to Austin, Texas to be closer to family. After working several years in Austin, he graduated from The University of Texas with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. He has been most recently employed as a staff test engineer at National Instruments in Austin.

As a faithful follower of Christ, Joel was a member at All Saints Presbyterian (PCA). In recent months he has participated in the planting work of a new Reformed fellowship in North Austin: Grace and Peace Presbyterian. In each of these churches he has been an active participant in leading worship through music.

Joel was an avid mountain biker who did wilderness riding and night rides. As his uncle describes him: "Joel was wise--he knew how to balance his genius intellect and soft-spoken demeanor with something as physically challenging as mountain biking."

From early childhood Joel had a heart tender toward God and His Word. Throughout his life he tried to listen to God's voice and obey His commands and to conduct his life in a manner pleasing to Him.

At mid-day, July 23, 2015, God took Joel from us and to Himself. His family grieves their short time with him on earth, but not as those who have no hope of a future reunion and the Resurrection.

"Jesus said to Martha, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." St. John 11:25 and 26

A devoted son, loving brother, and faithful friend, Joel is survived by parents Ted and Patti Williams and sister Kelsey Matheis and brother-in-law Stephen Matheis.

Visitation hours will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2111 Alexander Ave.

Memorials may be donated to Reformed University Fellowship at www.givetoruf.org. Specify RUF Northeast.