O. Lee Williams, Jr.

O. Lee Williams, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, February 5, 2024, in Augusta, GA. He is survived by his four children, Karen Freed-Williams (Marcie) of Orlando, FL, Becky Benson (Marsh) of Lincolnton, GA, Laura Croft (Phil) of Atlanta, GA, and Tom Williams (Lisa) of Cornelia, GA; eight grandchildren, Nikki Freed-Williams, Katie Freed-Williams, Casey Maslanka (Nick), Scott Benson (Rachael), Tinsley Curry (Stewart), Rebecca Martin, Miles Williams (Sydney), and Devin Williams; and 12 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Jarvis Williams; a brother, Warren Williams; and two sisters, Yvonne Stone and Jane Neely.

Lee was born in Cartersville, GA and raised in Waynesboro, GA by his late parents, Othella and Ollie Lee Williams, Sr. He graduated from Georgia Military College and went on to acquire a bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, Lee served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed primarily in Germany. Upon fulfilling his commitment and returning home, Lee proposed to childhood sweetheart, Jeanne Jarvis and remained devoted in marriage for 59 years. Lee began his forestry career cruising timber with Georgia Kraft Company and progressed into management roles across Georgia and Alabama. After retirement, Lee and Jeanne became residents of Darien, GA on the Georgia coast. On the banks of the White Chimney River, they enjoyed a beautiful view of marshland and wildlife where they delighted in low country boils, fishing, and shrimping with family and friends. In 2012, Lee and Jeanne returned to Waynesboro to be closer to family and healthcare.

Devotion to God, family, and country guided how Lee lived his life and ordered his priorities. Additionally, Lee enjoyed countless hobbies and passions such as rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs, researching his genealogy, hunting and fishing, and reading historical and western novels. Lee was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, GA and of Darien, GA, where he served as an elder and deacon. He was also a member of the American Legion, Freemasons, and the Waynesboro “Bi-Lo Coffee Club.”

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Saturday, February 10 at the funeral home with a celebration of life following at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Darien, 403 Jackson St, Darien, GA 31305.

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA   30830 (706-554-3531)

You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.