John Hayden Williams Jr.

John (Jack) Hayden Williams, Jr. passed away peacefully on October 10, 2023. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family who are grateful for his example, his loving and caring heart, his kindness, humor, and wisdom.

Jack was born on November 24, 1937 in Nashville, to John and Virgil Lee Williams. He grew up in Nashville, eventually graduating from Belmont College majoring in Business and Psychology with a minor in Economics. Jack financed his education by working part-time at Genesco during the evenings.

Jack married his high school sweetheart, Norma Sue Miller during his senior year at Belmont. Upon graduation, Jack was offered a place in the Genesco executive training program.

For 25 years, Jack rose through the ranks at Genesco, moving from Nashville to Chicago to Birmingham and back to Nashville. Among his numerous assignments, he served as president of Elmore’s and S.H. Kress retail stores.

In 1979, Jack met Jay Stein, and in 1980 Jack and Jay began working together in what proved to be a very complementary and successful team. Beginning with three stores, over the next 25 years, the company grew tremendously, adding over 250 stores. The company moved its headquarters to Jacksonville in 1984 and went public in 1992. Jack started as executive Vice President and eventually became president and chief executive officer. He retired from daily operations in 2005 and remained on the Board of Directors for several years thereafter.

Jack’s business acumen and heart for service made him a valued asset as a board member to several organizations. Jack served as a member of the Board of Directors of Southern Baptist Hospital of Florida as well as the Baptist Health System serving as Chairman of the Board of each for 16 and 15 years respectively. He led the health system during two decades of extraordinary growth and expansion. He also served other organizations including SunTrust Bank, Dreams Come True and the YMCA.

Jack and Norma had two daughters, Phyllis, and Lisa, and enjoyed a happy home life, much of it centered around their school and church activities. Jack was always an active member of his church, serving as deacon, choir member, teacher, coach, and member of various church committees. Jack and Norma were proud parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. In their 60 years of marriage, they cared deeply for their family as it grew. Anyone who knew them knew that the first two weeks of July were the annual family beach trip to Ponte Vedra. Beginning with just Phyllis and Lisa in 1984, the annual family gathering has resulted in a truly close and unique family bond that has spanned four generations.

Throughout his adult life, Jack dealt with several serious health issues. In all of this, Jack’s attitude has been one of grace, dignity, and acceptance. He never felt sorry for himself or questioned why. He didn’t focus attention on himself and was always more interested in how others were doing. Jack’s family is forever grateful to the many doctors, nurses and caregivers who took care of him. So many special friendships developed as a result of these relationships.

Jack’s faith was evident to all who knew him through his actions and the way he treated others. Providing advice and counsel, he was a mentor to many. He gave much and did it quietly, not looking for recognition or praise.

Jack is survived by his devoted family: daughters Phyllis (Garry) Askew, Lisa (Gary) Mayes; grandchildren Tyler (Brenna) Askew, Kyle (Brooke) Mayes, Garrett (Trisha) Askew, Katie (Collin) Brasher, and Lauren Askew; great grandchildren Madden Mae Mayes, Brooks Hayden Brasher, Presley Jean Askew, Jack Gentry Mayes, Campbell James Brasher, and Lottie Elizabeth Askew; sister Patsy Jolliffe; nieces Becky (Ron) Springer, Judy (Phillip) Garvin, and Jane (Charlie) Reynolds.

The funeral service and burial will be held in Nashville, TN at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park on Monday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m. A memorial service will be at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m. Both services will be officiated by Dr. B.J. Hutto, pastor of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Norma S. Williams Endowment at Baptist Health Jacksonville, the Jack Williams Scholarship Fund for Working Students at Belmont University, or to Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church.