O. T. Williams, Jr.

Elder O.T. Williams, Jr. was born to Rev. O.T Williams, Sr. and Hallie (Glass) Williams in Grenada, MS. When O.T. was very young his parents moved to Osceola, AR. He accepted Christ at an early age at the Bethlehem Baptist Church where his father was the pastor. O.T. served in the United States Navy, June 22, 1955 - June 15, 1959. He was promoted through the ranks and received an honorable discharge. He started working at Kelly Springfield Tires, in Freeport, IL on October 5, 1964 and retired Feb 1, 1995. O.T. was a very learned and scholarly man. He enjoyed playing on computers and loved logistics. He was a graduate of Highland Community College, in Freeport, Illinois. He received his Minister's License in May 1981 and his Certificate of Ordination in September 1983 as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ. He also received an Associate and Bachelor degrees in Theology and a Master of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary in Loras, South Carolina. On May 13, 1961, O.T. united in Holy Matrimony to the late Ms. Virginia Love. Upon marriage to his first wife he joined the Evangelistic Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Dr. William Kelly and Mother Corallie Moore. While serving under the leadership of Dr. Moore, Brother O.T, Elder Moore and his mother-in-law, Church Mother Bertha Love, began a campaign to build a new church sanctuary. Elder Moore and Mother Love passed. Brother Williams, Mother Moore and the newly appointed pastor, Supt. W. H. Hudson continued the vision of Dr. Moore. In 1976 Dr. Moore's vision became a reality. Many of the architectural features, ideas, and concepts of the Evangelistic Church of God in Christ, are from Elder Williams. He served as the churches project manager. He would visit the worksite and give weekly progress reports to the church about the work being done at the site. If something wasn't right, he'd immediately reached out to the contractor to get things rectified. During his tenure at Evangelistic, Elder Williams served as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Trustee Board and in many other capacities. He also served on the Elders Council, and part of the Evangelism Dept. for the Midway District. After the passing of his first wife, he was blessed to marry twice again. While married to his second wife he connected with Bishop Earnest Hamilton and the Greater Holy Temple Ministries in Chicago, Illinois. He taught Sunday School and Bible Study and he served over the Elder's Council for the Love Fellowship International Churches. He remained affiliated to this organization until his death. On Thursday, April 7, 2022, Elder Williams departed this life with his daughter and grandsons by his side. He leaves to cherish his memories, 1 step-son; David Larry (Patricia) Ellis, daughter; Jacqueline F. Williams all of Freeport, IL, one step sister; Phyllis Lockhart of Turrell, AR, one brother; David (Ardie) Williams of Freeport, IL, four sister-in-laws; Elder Evelyn Williams of Freeport, IL, Thelma Williams of Glendora, MS, Emma (John) Cain of Anderson, IN, Lanelle Patrick of Las Vegas, NV. He also leaves to cherish his memories 6 grandchildren,15 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, 2 goddaughters, and 1 godson, and a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends. Elder Williams was preceded in death by his parents, three wives, four brothers; George Williams, Sr., Lee Williams, Walter Reed Williams & Maurice Ricks, and two sisters; Annie Carrie Whitehead and Mary Scott and one grandson Brayveon Williams. A Homegoing Celebration will take place Friday, April 22, 2022 at 1:00 PM with a Wake from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Cemetery Details Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens 2514 IL-26 Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map Previous Events Visitation APR 22. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (CT) Evangelistic Church Of God In Christ 440 South Benton Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map Funeral Service APR 22. 1:00 PM (CT) Evangelistic Church Of God In Christ 440 South Benton Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map