On May 19, 2018, surrounded by his family, the eternal and youthful spirit of Joe Billie Williams, better known to family and friends as Papa Joe, hopped out of his worn out 94 year old body, made his much anticipated return to his heavenly home, to be welcomed by his loving wife, son, granddaughter and countless other family and friends, and above all, his savior, Jesus Christ. Who no doubt whispered in his ear, “well done my good and faithful servant, well done.” A memorial service, celebrating Joe’s life will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, at the Valley View Baptist Church, located at 1212 S. Main St. in Snowflake. Joe was born on Feb. 3, 1924, to William Ollie and Annie Ollie Williams, in Rosebud, Texas. Joe was third of five children and was a fun-loving young boy. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Joe joined the Navy at the age of 17. He honorably served in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters during WWII. His father had served in WWI and his older brother Jimmie was killed in action during WWII. While stationed in Florida, he met Stella Cherry. Both had come to the dance with someone else, but they left the dance hand in hand. After a whirlwind two-week courtship, they were married and would spend the next 69 years building a life and family, with faith, courage and humor. While working at a paper mill in Florida Joe heard about a new paper mill being built in Snowflake. He arrived in Snowflake to work, in the winter of 1961 and the rest of the family arrived in January of 1962. He would spend the next 30 years working at the Snowflake Paper Mill, making many lasting friendships and providing for his family. Upon retiring, Joe began another career as a bus driver for the Snowflake School District, another job that he loved. He retired from that at age 85. Joe and Stella loved to travel but they insisted on driving so they could enjoy the beauty of nature. Joe and Stella were very active in their church, Valley View Baptist Church, where Joe was a deacon. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Stella; son, Bruce; granddaughter, Rikki; his parents, William and Annie; and brothers, Jimmie, George and Roy. Joe is survived by his children, James (Kenna) Williams, Marsha (Bob) McMillen, Mark (LaDawn) Williams and Teresa Williams; his sister, Lydia Bell Cone; brother-in-law, Chester Cherry; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Owens Livingston Mortuary-Heritage Chapel in Snowflake handled the arrangements.
