Racine, WI – John L. Williams was born in Millen, Georgia on December 30, 1944 to Reverend Charles and Essie Mae (Wesley) Williams.  He was the second of thirteen children born to this union. In 1969, John met the spiritual love of his life, Anne Zeta Porter, in the lobby of the Racine Motor Inn after both were recruited to Wisconsin during a different time of affirmative action.  John married Anne on November 30, 1974 in New Orleans, Louisiana; this year marks their 46th year of marriage.  To this union, three children were born.

John grew up in Mt. Dora, Florida with his family.  He attended Eustis Vocational High School, and graduated early at the age 16 in 1961.  He went on to Florida A&M University and majored in Chemistry, earning a Bachelors of Science degree.   His early professional experiences included working as a physics and chemistry Teacher at West Palm Beach High School for Palm Beach County Schools, a Product Assurance Engineer at Electronics Communications in St. Petersburg, a Chemist at Martin Marietta in Central Florida, and a Chemist at SC Johnson Wax in Racine, Wisconsin.   In the early 1970's John began exploring real estate as a profession before fully becoming self-employed as a real estate broker and sole proprietor of J.L. Williams Realty & Investments, where he educated himself in the industry, competed and thrived as a local businessman.  He retired in 2010.

In addition to fueling the goals and aspirations of his family and friends, John had a passion for volunteering.  He volunteered with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America, and held Board of Director positions at George Bray Community Center and the National Urban League. John also enjoyed learning foreign languages such as German and French, and he never met a book that he didn't read. One of John's greatest passions was music. John was a collector and a lover of all genres.  Some of his favorites included disco, all things Smokey Robinson and swinging & stepping with his dance partner, Anne, to the latest groove.

John loved God more than anything.  He read the Bible everyday and started his daily  "Things to Do" list with a written prayer.  He gave benevolently to further the scholarship of the children at Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church and Gregg Chapel CME. Most recently, John was a faithful deacon and taught New Members Class and Sunday school at New Omega Baptist Church.

John could give you that big smile or that furrowed brow.  He had a "Will of Steel" and raised the bar of excellence of everyone around him.  He did not accept mediocrity; he strived to be consistent and fair; and he always gave and demanded respect from those who knew him.   He was leader in his community, his profession, and most importantly – his family.

John departed this life on Monday, September 7, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Lloyd Williams, sister Evelyn Jenkins and sister-in-law Lillie Williams. John leaves to mourn his passing – his loving wife, Anne; children – Rae (Michael) Livingston, John W. Williams, Jaselyn Williams and Leon (Sharon) Mason; grandchildren – Xavier McWhorter, Kameron Cole Williams, Leontyne Mason, Tia Mason, Alicia Mason, Princess Mason, Nehemiah Mason and great-granddaughter Daria Pagdet; siblings – his "sidekick" James Williams, Mt. Dora, Florida; Vivian (John) Owens, Eustis, Florida; Roland (Wiletha) Williams, Norcross, Georgia; Carolyn Williams, Naples, Florida; Carl Williams, Mt. Dora, Florida; Marilyn (Horace) Orr, Tavares, Florida; David (Sharon) Williams, Racine, Wisconsin; Sandra Chavous, Mt. Dora, Florida; Debra (Wilbert) McMillan, Eustis, Florida; Michael (Sandra) Williams, Mt. Dora, Florida; and brother-in-law Paul Jenkins, Bassville, Florida.  John also leaves to mourn – Aunts Maude Edwards and Francis Flakes, special cousin Zella Mae Milsap, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Racine, Wisconsin – A Visitation will be held to Honor John's Life on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 4:00 – 7:00pm in the Chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI.  John's final resting place will be in Edgewood Cemetery in Mt. Dora, Florida.

The family has requested donation be made in John's honor to George Bray Neighborhood YMCA in Racine, Wisconsin or The Racine Public Library.

In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time.  You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building.  For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to wear a face covering.  We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.

Mt. Dora, Florida – In accordance with current Florida and Hayes Brothers Funeral Home mandates the family will hold a PRIVATE Visitation.  You're welcome to join the family on Friday, September 25, 2020.  at 12:30pm in Edgewood Cemetery in Mt. Dora, Florida for John's Final Committal.

For the safety and security of everyone please wear a face covering and practice social distancing. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.

Service Details

Racine, Wisconsin – A Visitation will be held to Honor John's Life on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 4:00 – 7:00pm in the Chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI.  John's final resting place will be in Edgewood Cemetery in Mt. Dora, Florida

In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time.  You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building.  For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to wear a face covering.  We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.

Mt. Dora, Florida – In accordance with current Florida and Hayes Brothers Funeral Home mandates the family will hold a PRIVATE Visitation.  You're welcome to join the family on Friday, September 25, 2020.  at 12:30pm in Edgewood Cemetery in Mt. Dora, Florida for John's Final Committal.

For the safety and security of everyone please to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.

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