John Williams

John Paul Williams Jr., 79, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Alpharetta.

John was born on May 12, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia, to John Paul Williams Sr. & Audrey Imogene Tuter Williams. When he was four years old, his family returned to their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he spent much of his childhood. He attended Daniel Webster High School before moving with his family to Dallas, Texas, during his senior year. He graduated from Bryan Adams High School & continued his education at Tyler Junior College before earning bachelor’s degrees in Botany & Radio-Television Broadcasting & Production from East Texas State University in 1970.

During his senior year of college, John met the love of his life, Peggy Sue Bryant.

Shortly after graduating, he was drafted into the United States Army & was stationed at Camp Drum in Watertown, New York. Following his military service, he returned to Dallas, where he began his career with Universal Pictures in film distribution & sales, serving theaters throughout the region & managing the company’s Oklahoma branch.

John & Peggy were married on June 2, 1973, beginning a marriage that spanned more than fifty-three years. Together they were blessed with two children: Julie Michelle & Curtis Bryant.

When Julie was still an infant, John began his career as a wholesale sales representative with Bassett Furniture. His work eventually took the family to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1990, where they lived for more than two decades. In 2011, John & Peggy returned to Texas to care for their aging parents. In 2021, they moved to Cumming, Georgia, to be near their daughter & family.

John’s Christian faith was the foundation of his life. He often joked that his “first diaper was changed in church,” & his lifelong commitment to serving the Lord reflected that early beginning. Throughout the years, he faithfully served his local churches as a deacon, youth leader, & worship leader, touching countless lives through his servant’s heart & love for God’s people.

John loved to laugh & loved making others laugh. He often joked that his spiritual gift was “harassing” people—his playful way of describing his gift for good-natured teasing. Quick-witted & full of joy, he seemed to have a song or a jingle for every occasion & rarely missed an opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face. His warm smile, welcoming spirit, & genuine interest in others made him the kind of person people naturally gravitated toward. Whether greeting someone at church, striking up a conversation with a stranger, or encouraging a friend, John made people feel seen & valued.

His life was marked by gratitude. Even during his battle with cancer, he never complained about his pain or suffering. Instead, he remained thankful for the life God had given him and continued to trust Him completely. As the day of his homegoing drew near, John would often become emotional with joyful anticipation as he spoke of the moment he would see Jesus Christ face to face. His unwavering faith, contagious joy, & steadfast hope leave a legacy that will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Paul Williams Sr. & Audrey Imogene Tuter Williams.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Peggy Sue Williams; his daughter, Julie West (Blake); his son, Curtis Williams (Ashley); his brother, Tom Williams (Kay); & his six cherished grandchildren: Trinity, Asher, & Elisha West, & Caleb, Sadie, & Paisley Williams.

Though deeply missed, John’s family rejoices in the assurance of his eternal home with his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, designated donations may be made to support the orphans, widows, churches, pastors, & school in Bungoma, Kenya. https://calvaryalpharetta.churchcenter.com/giving/to/general-gifts