John Hubert Williams   Jan. 14, 1937 - Dec. 7, 2011

John was born in New York City, graduated from Ohio Wesleyan and Drew Theological Seminar, and earned his Doctorate in Ministry from Garrett Theological Seminary. As a Methodist minister he served churches in Ohio, including 10 years at Monroe Street United Methodist Church in Toledo. As a United Church of Christ minister he served churches in Massachusetts, including 14 years at the Federated Church of Hyannis on Cape Cod. After moving to Penney Retirement Community (PRC) in Penney Farms, Florida, he served as Chairman of the Board of Penney Memorial Church and later was a charter member of Riverside United Church of Christ in Jacksonville. John’s life was defined by an abundance of love and service to others.

John loved sports. He coached the Men's Basketball Team at Drew University, and he played competitive basketball into his 40's. He ran several marathons, including the Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon. After moving to Florida he took up golf and enjoyed bowling with a group from PRC.

John loved music, especially organ music. And he loved to sing hymns and participate in the Men's Chorus at PRC.

John loved volunteering. He was President of the Cape Cod Council of Churches, Board Chairman for the Cape Cod Salvation Army, Archivist at PRC, and one of the first volunteers for P.E.T. (Personal Energy Transport). When he was serving on the Board of Directors for PRC, he concluded each report from the Board to the Residents' Association with "Thank you for the privilege of serving you."

John loved his Shelties, numbering 5 over the years. He wrote, "Hope for me is being like Gwen: barking where necessary, jumping into our laps when afraid, and licking our wounds."

John loved his family:

     Wife Sue, to whom he was married for 52 years

     Son Jeff and daughter-in-law Laura, grandchildren Erin and Jason

     Son Steve and daughter-in-law Jennifer, grandchildren Sydney and Emma

     Sisters Mary and Marjorie

He concluded his Christmas letter of 2010 with "May you learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow and doing so with a heart full of love. Blessings and peace to all."

The memorial service will be held at Penney Memorial Church on Saturday, January 7, 2:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904-284-7720). www.RHRCemeteryandFuneralHome.com