Melvin Williams Jr.

Melvin (Bubba) Williams Jr. 92, of Bloomington, departed this life at 6:07 a.m., Saturday, (May 4, 2019) at St, Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, IL. He was born to the late Melvin Sr. & Mary Strayhorn Williams of Charleston, Mo.

He married Velma Howard March 31, 1947. From this union 6 children, 4 boys and 2 girls. He moved to Bloomington in 1956. He joined Union Missionary Baptist Church in 1962, where he served as a deacon.

He drove a bus for the city of Bloomington for 17 yrs, he retired in 1988. Then he drove a school bus for Unit 5 for several years before retiring the second time.

Melvin served in the Military in World War II. He was a Mason, Elijah S. Betts Lodge #23. He was an avid bowler and taught his grandchildren bowling every Saturday morning. He loved fishing, playing cards and watching the Cubs. In fact, he was the biggest Cub fan for over 50 yrs. For over a number of years, he was a minor league umpire.

Melvin was preceded in death by his loving wife Velma (married 64 yrs) three sisters Geneva Williams, Earlene Williams and Susie Mae Newcomb and one brother Billy Williams.

He is survived by his brother Charles(Jan) Williams of East Lansing MI., Helen McCarthy of Elgin, IL, and Roxie Mosley of Gary, IN. Also survived are 6 children, 4 sons Mack (Marlene) Thomas, James (Minnie) Farris, Melvin Jr, and Corey (Stacey) Sharp of Bloomington, IL., two daughters Mary Williams of Bloomington, IL. and Helen Phillips of Portage, MI. A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, friends and families that he cherished dearly.

Family and friends will gather for visitation and funeral services on Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 10 to 11 a.m. for visitation with funeral service proceeding after visitation from 11-12 a.m. at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 509 W. Jackson St., Bloomington, IL. East Lawn Funeral Home of Bloomington, is in charge of arrangements.