Mr. John A. "Johnny" Williams, age 68, of Kingston, GA, passed from this life into eternal rest with his heavenly Father on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, following a brief illness.

He was born in Kingston, GA, on December 20, 1942, to the late Smiley and Exie Kilgore Williams. Mr. Williams was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, Taylorsville, and was known for his love of music and his calling into the music ministry, where he enjoyed his time as lead guitarist with The Temples Family as well as other local gospel groups. He had retired from Shaw Industries, Inc. after 44 years of employment. Hunting was a favorite hobby of Mr. Williams', in addition to traveling and woodworking. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Mr. Wiliams was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Horace Williams; and a sister-in-law, Betty Williams.

A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, he was survived by his wife, Emma Cantrell Williams, to whom he was married on June 17, 1967; his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Richie Hunter of Cartersville; a sister, Ruby Williams of Kingston; a brother, Junior Williams of Kingston; 2 sisters-in-law, Dot Costlow of Adairsville and Martha (Jerry) Dowdy of Rome; 2 brothers-in-law, Russell (Margaret) Cantrell of Rome and Carl Cantrell of Rome; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Barton Funeral Home, Adairsville, with Rev. Sammy Hall and Rev. Jeff Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Tabor Baptist Church Cemetery, Taylorsville.

The family will receive friends Friday, May 27, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Barton Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Kingston Woman's History Club, your home church, or the charity of your choice.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of funeral arrangements for Mr. John Williams.