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RALEIGH, NC – In loving memory of James Oliver Williams, who passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024 at the age of 67, surrounded by loved ones in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Born on August 6, 1957 in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, James Williams was the beloved son of the late Ray Hezekah and Dora Lee Williams. He graduated at the age of 17, in 1975, from the integrated school of Murfreesboro High School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the military and started basic training at the age of 18. He eventually joined the Marine Corp reserve where he served on inactive duty until he received an honorable discharge in 1981.

He accepted Christ at the age of twenty and was baptized in 1978. James married Evelyn in 1979, and they primarily resided in Oxford, North Carolina before settling down in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was a minister at Evangelistic Church of Deliverance for about forty five years, where Pastor William Cheek was presiding. He was always a dedicated, hard worker as a truck driver in which he traveled the nation. He was known for his strength and robust nature. He was a faithful husband, and a dedicated father, who diligently taught his children the word of God. In addition, he believed in many miracles for himself, family and church members. In his free time, James enjoyed reading his Bible, spending time with his family, doing church activities, and visiting the sick.

James is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Evelyn Dianne Williams; his children, Elizabeth, Emma, Aaron,

Sarah, Benjamin, Rachel, Leah, David, Joshua, Ruth, and Hannah Williams (Troy Bond, and Matthew Harris: son-in-laws; Theresa Williams, and Diamond Williams: daughter-in-laws); his grandchildren, Joseph Bond, Teyonna Bond, Elyzha Bond, Jazmyn Bond, Jamal Outlaw, Shaquille Freeman, Pajeremy Williams, Anna Harris, Matthew Harris Jr., Isabella Williams, Starlee Williams, Krystal Williams, Gloria Merritt, and Glory Merritt, and a host of great grandchildren; and his siblings, brother Ray Williams (spouse: Bessie), Betty Jenkins (spouse: Douglas Jenkins), Amanda Candelario (spouse: James Candelario), and Melissa Williams Diehl (spouse: Dave Diehl).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Williams and Dora Lee Williams, and by his siblings, Rachel, Rita, and Larry Williams.

A funeral service will be held on September 7, 2024, with visitation at 11:30 a.m. and funeral service at 12 noon at

Beacon Baptist, 2110 Trawick Road, Raleigh NC 27604. His final resting place will be at Rand Community Church,

213 Haywood Street, Garner, NC, United States, North Carolina.

Thank you to R.M. Ferguson Funeral Service who handled the deceased with care.