May 3, 1949 ~ October 21, 2026 (age 77)
Ronald “Ronnie” Williams, a courageous, thoughtful, and wise Christian man, passed away on October 21, 2026, in Valley, Alabama, at the age of 77.
He was born on May 3, 1949, at Langdale Hospital in Langdale, Alabama, and lived a life marked by devotion to family, service, and steadfast faith. Known to many simply as Ronnie, he carried himself with quiet strength and a generous spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Ronnie proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a member of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade out of Fort Benning, Georgia. During his service, he was wounded and received the Purple Heart, recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.
Following his return from the war, Ronnie married the love of his life, Jo Ann, on June 20, 1969. Their marriage of 57 years stood as a lasting example of commitment, partnership, and enduring love. Together, they built a family that became the center of his world, and he took great pride in each generation that followed.
Ronnie was a former employee of West Point Pepperell’s Fairfax Mill and Russell Mill in LaFayette, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dependable nature. He approached life with the same steady determination that he brought to his work, earning the respect of coworkers, friends, and neighbors alike.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Williams; his sons, Ron Williams and his wife Jennifer, Don Williams and his wife Christy, and Shane Williams; his grandchildren, Amber Smith, Brittney Williams, Clay Williams, Eric Hanner, Aubrey Williams, Aaron Williams, and Kaden Williams; and his great-grandchildren, Rylee, Bentley, Katelynn, Hailey, Sarah, Julie, Gracie, Layken, Stella, Brantley, and Colt. He is also survived by his sister, Paula Nichols and her husband Butch; his brother, Bobby Williams and his wife Cindy; his aunt, Faye Waites and her husband Bubba; and his special nephews, Scotty Blair and Robin Blair.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milfred L. Williams and June Annette Williams; his brother, Denny Williams; his grandparents, Paul and Elsie Hill and Homer and Rosa Williams; and his aunts, Francis “Pampy” Williams, Mildred Pascal and her husband Bernard, Polly, Wanda, and Cindy.
Outside of work and family, Ronnie was a devoted University of Alabama football fan who followed the Crimson Tide with enthusiasm and pride. He also enjoyed bass fishing and hunting, especially deer hunting, and found peace in the outdoors. Those who knew him best will remember a man whose life reflected courage in hardship, wisdom in decision-making, and thoughtfulness in the way he treated others.
Ronnie Williams leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and faith that will continue to live on through his family and all who were blessed to know him.
Funeral services for Ronnie will be held on Monday, October 26th, 2026, at 2:30 PM (EDT) at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley. Interment will follow in Hopewell Methodist Church Cemetery. Pastor Ron Williams will officiate. Ronnie’s family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM (EDT) at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley.
Please visit Ronnie’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Ronnie, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
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