John Garland Williams

John Garland Williams passed away Sunday morning, May 24, 2020, at the age of 75. He was born on July 8, 1944 in Jacksonville, FL and grew up on Cane River in Natchitoches. He is a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, where he played baseball and basketball. He studied Agriculture at LSU before entering Tulane Law School. In 1968 he graduated from law school, passed the bar exam, got married, and entered the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Judge Advocate General. He returned to Natchitoches in 1973, practiced law, served as assistant district attorney, and taught in the College of Business at Northwestern State University. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and served as lector for many years. He was also a founding member of the Dirty Dozen Social Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, Judge Richard B. Williams and Ora G. Williams, and his sister, Ann Williams Brittain. He is survived by his wife Suzanne, daughters Brooke (Trini) of Natchitoches and Shelly of Hoboken NJ, and son Scott of Natchitoches, brothers Father Richard B. Williams of Lubbock, TX, Joe Payne Williams of Natchitoches, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. John Williams was a great husband, father, friend, and storyteller. He cheered for LSU, NSU, and the Saints (he was at their first regular season game) and never got tired of watching John Wayne movies. He was proud of his military service and his hometown, as countless strangers would inevitably find out. He greatly enjoyed teaching over the course of 47 years, sometimes teaching the children and grandchildren of former students. He loved traveling across the country as well as abroad with his family and friends. A graveside service conducted by Father Craig Scott for family members will be held on Thursday, May 28. Pallbearers will be Trini Triggs, Jack Brittain, Jr., John Brittain, Payne Williams, Bray Williams, Bryan Picou, and Bryan Picou, Jr. Honorary pallbearers include his longtime teaching aides Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Hobart Macgroniac, Lillie Lickskillet, and Susie Stepingofetchit. A memorial service will be held at a later time for family and friends to reminisce, tell story after story, and share their memories of him. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the NSU Foundation, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497 for the John G. Williams Memorial Scholarship in Business.