1SG Williams - you were a great soldier and true leader. You were a mentor and influenced so many young soldiers in Bravo Battery. You had the respect of everyone who knew you, both in the military and in civilian life. Your reputation will live on. RIP, John D.
Bobby Dowless Sr
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John Williams which I always called him Johnny was one of the most men I have ever respected in my life. I will never forget when I was in the 7th grade and we had whats called Career Day. I asked Johnny if he would come to school and help me showing about our military well of course he did and had the whole class so interested in what they do no other people that had to present there careers had a chance to compete. Johnny married my Aunt and she and him got to the point of bad health. Johnny could hardly take care of himself but he would get up and take care of her (I was so amazed) on how he would take all his strength just to make sure she was OK. Once she died Johnny died 2 weeks later . He was truly one respected Soldier!
Mark Fowler
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We have heard over and over again what a great person and dedicated soldier was John D. Williams. I can only echo each and every comment about the character of this fine man and soldier. It was a pleasure and a learning experience for me to soldier along side Johnny.

He served his country and his community all his adult life. His goal in the military was to make the soldiers of Bravo Battery the best in the North Carolina National Guard. They always stood tall!!!

Johnny was the very first person I met in the National Guard when he enlisted me in the Guard on February 5, 1962. As a private he encouraged me to attend Officer Candidate School to become an officer. In Bravo Battery, as a private, 2nd Lt 1st Lt and later as a Captain and Battery Commander, Johnny helped build the foundation which led to my 25 year career in the military.

He always saw the good in others. The welfare of each soldier was so important to him and with his guidance and encouragement the soldier always seemed to live up to his potential prior to the end of his enlistment. If you look around at the leaders in our community and you dig deep enough you will find that somewhere along the line Johnny had something to do with their success. There were doctors, attorneys, carpenters, plumbers, salesmen, bankers, farmers and so many others. If they were in B Battery they will give Johnny credit for much of their success. You might also say he played favorites !! Most any time you saw Johnny, close at hand were his two favorite buddies , Elton Hubbard and Jim Sholar. In truth, all the soldiers were his favorites.

This man and this soldier will long be remembered and missed by everyone he ever came in contact with.

Thanks Johnny. RIP

LTC (R) Robert A. Collins

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The first time I met FSGT Williams I was impressed. He “signed me up”, swore me in as a member of the NCARNG. Little then I know just how impressed I would be in the ensuing years. He seemed to know anything and everything there was to know about all things “army” and “Guard”. I served under him when, as a Master Sergeant, he was “Chief of Smoke”. He could do it all from laying the battery to computing data for a hip shoot with his M10 Plotting Board. He could take that little device and put a round center of target. He knew our radio system, how to start a stalled 5 Ton, first aid and protocol for any situation. He was amazing. He was a great teacher, it was hands-on, what he taught you stayed with you. He took great interest in all of us, he knew each of us by first name or a nickname. He wanted us to succeed as individuals because that was how we could succeed as a unit. John D. Williams was everything a man and a soldier should be and probably the smartest man I ever knew.
Frank McGuirt
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As a green 1st second lt I had a lot to learn about the real world. Johnny excelled in both areas. If I had a question of any sort I went to him and he would have the answer. I consider Johnny a friend a mentor and one hell of a soldier. The world has been a better place for his life!
Jim On April 17, 2016, many former and current members of the US Military lost the most intelligent, wise, respective, and professional man I ever had the privilege of serving with.
Jim Plyler
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1st Sergeant John D. Williams daily illustrated how he dedicated his entire adult life for all; serving in Korea, other parts of the world, but mostly in the USA.

John D. Williams was a soldier’s soldier; a guide anyone would be willing to follow.

John D. Williams of Monroe, NC passed over into a newer Heavenly home on April 17.

God Bless John D. Williams for your service to all, and God Bless America!

Oscar Y. Harward
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