I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

After a lengthy illness on Friday morning July 7, 2023, at Fairmont Crossing Rehabilitation Center, John Wayne Williams departed this life to begin a most deserved eternal rest.

John, better known in the community as BIG JOHN graduated from Central High School in Amherst, VA in 1962. Big John worked several different jobs as a mechanic after relocating to Lynchburg, VA. Before landing a job with Truck & Body where he finally retired after 31 years with the company.

Big John truly believed in God and would often reference Him as the Master of him. He always found time to relate to people in the community, especially the young and elderly. Big John was a neighborhood celebrity that felt like it was his duty to protect those that could not protect themselves. During this time at Fairmont Crossing Health & Rehabilitation Center he continued to feel the need to be a protector. Big John would tell the nursing staff how to care for the residents he considered his friends and let them know if he thought they were doing it wrong. Big John would keep you laughing with his witty sense of humor and not-so-clean sayings.

Big John was born December 14, 1943, in Amherst County to the late Raymond Williams and Mary Francis Wade Williams. He was proceeded in death by his sisters, Helen Williams of Amherst, VA, Grace Lewis of Washington, DC, Bett Walker of Washington, DC, Raymond Frances Taylor of Lynchburg, VA, and Patricia VanDivier of Washington, DC; and brothers, Amos Wade of Crimora, VA, and Carl Williams of Lynchburg, VA.

Big John leaves behind his children Shelton W. Williams of Lynchburg, VA, Laurie Williams of Lynchburg, VA, and Gary Barksdale of Lynchburg; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Davis-Turner Funeral Service. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.