Dr. Ronald Gregory Williams, better known as Greg to most, passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2019.

Greg was born in Jackson County, Missouri, to Roy G Williams and Wanda Swindler Williams on August 3, 1958. He was one of four boys and made many wonderful childhood memories with his brothers and cousins on his Grandpa George’s farm.

As a young man Greg decided to follow in his dad’s patriotic footsteps, and serve his country. After joining the US Navy he hoped to be placed on a battleship or river gun boat. Instead the U.S. Navy felt he would better serve his country as a Cryptologic Technician. Greg did not have the same vision for his future so after he finished his tour of duty, he moved to Western North Carolina.

There in Murphy, North Carolina he met his sweetheart, the love of his life, Donna Lewis. On their first date (March 17, 1979) Greg pronounced his love for her and assured her that she would be the girl he would marry and spend forever with. After a quick courtship they were married at the John C Campbell Folk School on August 4, 1979 surrounded by friends and family.

Time passed, love grew, and Greg and Donna started a family when they added 3 children: Jennifer, Matthew, and Caleb. Greg invested tremendously in his family. From reading nursery rhymes, to coaching football, teaching the boys to throw the perfect curve ball, or brushing out tangles, he was always an available dad. As a husband, he was always looking for ways to show his love to Donna. He may not have always picked the perfect gift but he never gave up trying, and sometimes we just had to laugh when he didn’t get it right.

In ministry Greg gave his all. He opened and ran a rescue mission, he pastored several congregations, he helped to build orphanages in Africa, mentored pastors in several countries, smuggled Bibles into Vietnam, preached in Sudan under threat of death, taught numerous training classes, he served as the Vice-President of the Southern Methodist Church, and devoted his last 17 years pastoring Clydes Chapel Church family. He was truly a servant of God with the heart of a warrior and the faith of a saint.

Greg was passionate about his Friday fishing trips to bass fish on his boat “Visitation” and then returning home to his best fur buddy, Bama. He loved playing his guitar, learning to play bluegrass music, and flat-picking. He enjoyed using his voice and musical talent to praise and worship his Savior. On Saturday’s in the fall Greg was sure to be tuning in and cheering on his Alabama Crimson Tide but only after he had his yard in tip-top shape.

Greg was able to check off several things on his bucket list like: going to the Iron Bowl, rocking out along with Donna at a live ZZ Top concert, and completing his Doctorate degree. But the biggest check mark on his bucket list was making sure his family knew the love of Christ and his greater love for them.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, July 19,2019 at Clydes Chapel Southern Methodist Church in Batesburg, SC with Pastors Philip Williams and Jerry Helton officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 2:00P.M. – 3:00 P. M. at the church. Honorary attendants will be Roger Williams, Philip Williams, Charlie Mudge, Jacob Hallman ,Marty Swindler and Mitchell Swindler.

Surviving are his wife, Donna Lewis Williams; sons and daughters-in-law, Matthew Gregory (Kim) of Leesville; Caleb Paul (Kasey) Williams of Gilbert; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer (Jacob) Hallman of Leesville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger ( Cathy) Williams of Murphy, NC; Philip (Tootie) Williams of Union, Mississippi; and grandchildren, Ashlynn, Sawyer, and Whitley Hallman and Maverick Williams. He was preceded in death by a brother, Tim Williams.

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