Billy Joe Williams, Sr

Billy Joe (“BJ”) Williams, Sr., was born on November 22, 1938 in Logan County, West Virginia and entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, December 28, 2017 in Lakeland, Florida.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Roby and Martha Jeffrey Williams, and nephews Rodney Cole and Robert “Bobby” Jones.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce Cole Williams; son Billy Joe (Joey, Kristin) Williams, Jr. of Bartow; and daughter Tracy (Steven) Jones of Lakeland.  BJ was the beloved “Papaw” to five grandchildren:  Billy Joe (“Trey”) Williams III, Jordyn Elizabeth Jones, Chandler Michael Jones, Taylor Lynn Williams, and Trenton Charles Williams. He is also survived by his twin sister Betty (Bill) Boothe of Lakeland, and other sisters Clora Hall and Flora Erskine of Lakeland, and Pauline Jones of Clearwater.  He was “Uncle BJ” to many nieces and nephews, and loved by in-laws, extended family members and numerous friends. BJ moved from West Virginia to Florida in 1959 where he was first employed by Virginia-Carolina Lines.  He also worked for Mobil, Plant City Steel, a partial owner of Bartow Fabrication & Maintenance, and most recently – his favorite – Bayport Valve & Fitting, Inc.  Many might say, however, that during these past few years, BJ may have only “worked” a few hours a week taking customers out to lunch or fishing! BJ enjoyed all types of athletics including basketball (especially the NCAA Final Four), NASCAR, Bartow girls’ softball, baseball, and the Florida Gators – ANY sport played by the Gators!  His greatest enjoyment, however, came from watching his grandchildren play or perform.  Whether it was wresting or soccer, lacrosse or football, musicals or basketball, baseball or softball – he was always there cheering on his “babies.”  But he was also a beloved “Papaw” to many other youngsters as well. BJ was known as a prankster who enjoyed teasing others, often at their expense.  He never met a stranger and was often known to speak to anyone…about anything!  He enjoyed sharing stories often filled with exaggeration.  His tales of growing up in West Virginia were favorites of his grandchildren, and his fishing tales were often finished with his distinct laugh and a twinkle in his eye.  BJ truly loved being on the water – especially on a lake with a pole in his hand…or 36 cane pole holders on his pontoon boat!  Most of all, BJ was a devoted husband and father.  Joyce was truly his partner and the love of his life.  He was always quick to hold her hand, rub her back, or sneak a quick peck on the cheek.  She was often irritated, however, by being the object of his teasing – like how he would try to help her down the stairs or shove her up into the truck by pushing on her bottom.  The two brightest lights in his life, however, would have to be Joey and Tracy.  Not only are they both graduates from the University of Florida, but they are successful in their respective fields and families.   The qualities BJ possessed – the true “fruit of the Spirit” shine in them both:  love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, and faith.  In addition, they share his sense of humor and stubborn streak – true Williams traits.  They were his pride and joy – and he - their beloved Dad. “If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.”