JR Williams Jr, age 80, of Portage, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. He was born in Cumberland, Kentucky, in a bedroom on the 2 ^nd floor of the family home on November 12, 1940.

JR, otherwise known as Little Man and Popaw, is survived by his wife of 59 years, Melva Williams; sons JR (Michelle) Williams and Jeff (Pam) Williams; 4 adoring grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mattie and JR Williams Sr, and his brother JM Williams.

JR met Melva, his future wife, while still in high school, making Kool-Aid for vacation Bible school at the Lynch Baptist Church mission located near Cumberland, Kentucky. They married on June 24, 1961, and moved to Northwest Indiana. He began work with American Bridge, a company owned by US Steel, where he worked until 1982, when the plant closed. He then started a second career with Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory as a certified welding inspector, where he worked for the next 28 years.

JR was a hardworking, dependable, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved God and served Him faithfully, modeling humility and a servant's heart to his sons and grandchildren. He was a faithful, active member of the First Baptist Church of Portage, Indiana, for several decades and served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and children's church leader.

In his spare time, JR enjoyed hunting, fishing, attending car shows and races, and many trips to the Brickyard 400, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his much-loved grandchildren.

JR's family and friends will miss him dearly but are comforted in knowing he is in the presence of his Lord.

His family will have a private memorial service and request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Portage, PO Box 34, Portage, IN.