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At approximately 5:25 a.m. on February 10, 2023, our father took his last breath here on earth. His journey began on April 19, 1930, when he was born to Isiah and Sarah Forrester of Hampton County on the Williams Homestead, where he spent his entire life. Under the leadership of Pastor C. E. Walker, at an early age, he attended and became a baptized member of Macedonia Baptist Church in the Williams Community of Brunson, S.C.
James attended the Rosenwald School of Gifford S.C. and later completed additional studies in a program at the former E.I. Dupont, Savannah River Plant, Aiken, SC.
James was united in marriage to the lovely Rushie Virginia Tolbert for 54 years. Through this union, they were blessed with four children, Free Love, Paul James, Linda, and Clemson.
James believed in encouraging all young and old to serve humankind based on the word of God. As a result, he became a faithful member of Gifford Lodge # 359, receiving a Humanitarian Award for service to others, serving Ruth Chapter #225, Order of Eastern Stars, and the Royal Arch Society of Gifford S.C. He loved the service fellowship. During days of struggles, he continued his desire to serve humankind by becoming a strong advocate for social justice and becoming a member of the Hampton County Branch of the NAACP.
He was ordained Deacon to the Ministry of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, a Minister of Deacons, and served in this role tirelessly, often serving as Chairman. He also served as the Sunday School teacher and the Superintendent of the Sunday School for many years, as he loved the scriptures. Deacon Williams was recognized in July 2022 by his church family for his numerous years of service and devotion to love and kindness.
In his early years, he often spoke of the pride of land ownership, the works of his father (Isiah) and mother (Sarah), and the values of holding on to the Homestead. He was instrumental in helping to keep the Williams Homestead together and the legacy alive. Oh, how he loves the outdoors, as he worked in forestry, cutting timber, farming the land, raising vegetables, and living off the land.
In 1952 he became gainfully employed by E. I. Dupont, where he worked for 38 years, retiring in 1984.
Along with his wife Rushie (Ruth), they loved and reared their four children and were filled with joy with the arrival of their grandchildren. After the passing of his beloved wife, he continued the tradition of nurturing love, teaching kindness, and encouraging service with his great grand-children. And oh, how they knew granddaddy James loved them.
Deacon James was preceded in transition by his father (Deacon Isiah) and mother (Sarah); his brothers: Rev Wesley (Frannie), Rev Sidney (Francis); his sister, Irene (Willie); Albert (Lucille) reared in his parent's home; his beloved wife, "Rushie" Virginia; his father in law, "Pete" and mother-In-law, Free Love; sister-in-law, Rosella,(Ramson); brothers-in-law, Franklin (Lubreta), Rufus, Gus(Estella); and his youngest son, Clemson Williams.
He leaves his children: Free Love Bellinger (Duncan), Estill S.C., Reverend "Pastor "Paul James Williams ((Hilda), Bahama NC., Linda Williams Bell (Dewayne), Brunson S.C.; and a special niece, Mae Etta Allen (Johnnie), Brunson SC; His cousin, as a surviving sister reared in the same household, Geneva Barkley of Eculid, Ohio; two sisters-in-law: Estella Polite, Columbia SC, and Mildred Simmons, Barton, SC; his brother-in-love, Reynolds Simmons.
The grandchildren: Brian, Ambrea, Derrick, Brenton, Maijer, Madison, Lizbeth Virginia; and the great grands: Caidyn, Chloe, Chandler, Chase, Carleigh, Caylie, and Charlie, Eli Clemson James White. A host of special nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, devoted friends, and especially his Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church family. Special Cousin, Stalling Forrester, Brunson, S.C, Herman Thomas, Fairfax S.C. Deacon Oliver King, Jersey City NJ.
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