James "J." Williams, age 80, of Old Wagy Road, Forest City, died Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

Born May 31, 1938 in Patrick County, Virginia, he was a son of the late McCoy Williams and Louva Fain Williams. James was an avid NASCAR and racing fan and worked for Doug Herbert Racing in Cherryville for many years. He also enjoyed watching Atlanta Braves baseball and doing word puzzles. James was a member of Fork Creek Baptist Church where he had served on the grounds keeping committee. He was known as a "gentle giant" to all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Hundley and brother, Ralph Williams.

Those left to cherish her memory include loving wife of forty-two years, Phyllis Williams; brother, Samuel Williams and wife, Janice of Ocean Isle, NC and two sisters, Mae Pinkard and Iva Jean Cox both of Martinsville, Virginia.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Fork Creek Baptist Church with Reverend Billy Cogdell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at church.

Memorial donations are respectfully requested to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth Street NW, Washington D.C. 20006-3517.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.