Billy Ed Williams

Deacon Billy Ed Williams was affectionately known as “Game” growing up with family. He was born in Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama on October 1, 1929, to the parentage of the late “Bud” Williams and Minnie Watkins Ware. Bringing a peaceful conclusion to his long, industrious and Christian life, Billy returned to God’s loving arms on Friday morning, May 31, 2019, at his home on 490 Gilham Road, Roanoke, Alabama.

Billy was an only child who looked to his two Uncles -- Alf Watkins, and Arthur “Ears” Watkins as father figures. As a young man, he served our grateful nation with honor, in the United States Armed Forces.

As a young adult, he met and married Mary Rena Askew a native of Stroud, Alabama, around April, 1959. Their marriage was fruitful, giving rise to seven (7) children: four (4) daughters and three (3) sons. Mary Rena preceded him in death, transitioning from this life on September 18, 1989.

Billy Ed worked many years at the Roanoke Post Office before transferring to the Post Office in Auburn, Alabama. He was a custodian and retired at about the age of 60. He enjoyed his cars and gardening.

He later met and married the former Mrs. Velma Heard Terry, widow of the late Jesse A. Terry. They enjoyed eleven (11) years of wedded companionship. The second Mrs. Williams preceded him in death, transitioning from this life on March 6, 2004.

Billy has been a pillar of strength -- living an exemplary life -- for his family. He served faithfully for many years at First Baptist Church before joining Canaan Baptist Church, Welch, and served there until his health failed. The church continued to reach out to him in Bible study. He taught Sunday School for many years, and loved to sing hymns. “Servant Of God Well Done” was one of his favorites.

He was always independent, strong-willed and stood strong in his convictions. He was a man with much pride. Billy was the oldest living member of the Watkins family.

His favorite saying was “A Double-Minded Man Is Unstable In All His Ways.”

His life, legacy and beautiful memories of the loving father that he was -- will forever dwell in the hearts and minds of his progeny which includes: three (3) sons: Billy Todd Williams and Michael DeWayne Williams of Roanoke, AL and Brian Odell Williams of Birmingham, AL; four (4) daughters: Belinda McFarland (Dallas) and Sharon Dean of of Roanoke, AL, Kimberly Gail Harper (Rick) of Colorado Springs, CO, Shirley Bennett (Steve) of Rossville, Georgia; three (3) granddaughters: Chelsea McFarland, Shana Nichole McFarland, Aliyah Janae Dean all of Roanoke, AL; and a host of loving cousins, neighbors, church family and friends who will miss him deeply.

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