SHELBY- James Andrew Williams, affectionately known to all as Jimmy, passed away peacefully at his home on August 11, 2026, at the age of 69. Born on January 5, 1957, in Cleveland County, Jimmy lived a life filled with love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Jimmy was a man of great strength and spirit, whose presence was felt by everyone he met. He spent 25 years dedicated to his work at Universal Manufacturing, where he was respected for his kindness and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. His colleagues remember him as a generous soul who was always ready with a smile and wise advice.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jimmy was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and Georgia Tech. His passion for sports extended beyond mere spectating; he dedicated much of his time to coaching football and baseball, instilling in young athletes the same love for the game that he cherished. He also served as an umpire, making fair and decisive calls both on and off the field.
Jimmy enjoyed a quiet, laid-back life, punctuated by moments of joy with his cherished family. He loved to read and could often be found with a book in hand during his leisure hours. A man of faith, he was a devoted member of the First Wesleyan Church, where he found community and spiritual solace.
Preceded in death by his beloved parents, Marvin Andrew Williams and Evelyn Tempee Jones, Jimmy leaves behind a large and loving family. He is survived by his siblings, Pam Hayes and husband Jeff, Tim Williams and wife Teresa, and Audrey Hedgepeth and husband Billy. His legacy continues through his nieces and nephews: Chad Hayes and wife Jenni, Jennifer Edwards and husband Ben, Sarah Bolton and husband Will, Susan Dodson and husband Andrew, Michelle Mertz and husband Jonathan, Elizabeth "Bubba" Winstead and husband Johnnie, and Madison Bailey and husband Matthew, as well as his great-nieces and nephews: Cassidy, Cameron, Connor, Michaela, Nathaniel, Baxter, Bayleigh, Aleah, James, Harley, Landon, Karson, Rylee, Hazel, and Hadley. Each of them carries forward his values of generosity, strong will, and devotion to family.
Jimmy's life will be celebrated with a visitation on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will take place afterward at Cleveland Memorial Park, where Jimmy will be laid to rest close to his parents.
Though he is no longer with us, Jimmy's memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched with his warmth, humor, and unwavering love. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com |
