MONROE — William Tyre “Bill” Williams III, 90, went peacefully home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, April 22, 2023.
Bill was born in Richmond County, April 9, 1933, the son of the late William Tyre Williams Jr. and Blanche Bogan Williams.
Bill was predeceased by his grandparents, Walter H. and Sally Pearl Bogan, whom he always gave heartfelt thanks for ensuring he had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as they always told him “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and will be the same forever.” Bill lived his life desiring for everyone to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. For all that knew him it was evident, through his witness, that nothing in life was more important.
A Celebration of Life Worship Service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church (Bill’s home church family that he dearly loved), 2518 Lancaster Hwy, Monroe. The family will receive friends and family following the service.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Iris Carnes Williams; his extraordinary son, William Tyre “Billy” Williams Jr. of Monroe; his daughter Janet Breeding and husband Wayne, of Rockingham; a brother and sister, Lindy (Claudia) Cockman Jr. of Rockingham, and his two precious grandchildren and their spouses, Lindsey (Tyler) Cunningham and Jonathan (Marlene) Daniels).
His long years afforded him the joy of three great grandchildren who were the “apples of his eye,” McKinley and Cooper (“Big Man”) Cunningham and Riley Breeding. Bill was also blessed to have a “bonus” grandson, Dax Breeding of Apex. He was also lovingly known as Uncle Bill to Rob (Erin) Cockman and family, Chris (Angie) Cockman and family, and Steven (Caroline) Cockman and family. Bill was richly blessed to have many “chosen family members” that meant the world to him as he often shared how much his life had been enriched by his many brothers and sisters in Christ.
Bill graduated from Rockingham High School in 1951 and made a life-changing decision to proudly serve our country in the United States Air Force (1952–1956) during the Korean conflict while stationed in Morocco, North Africa. He had the wonderful opportunity to be part of the 1956 Winter Olympics four-man bobsled team in Lake Placid New York. In 1959, he was the first in his family to receive a college degree as he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Although he had a successful lifelong career in the sales industry, Bill’s call was advancing God’s kingdom as he served tirelessly through the ministries of the Full Gospel Businessmen and The Gideons International. Bill was a founding member and former elder of Unity Christian Fellowship.
Bill wore many titles: beloved husband, Daddy, Poppie, Brother, Pop, Uncle, Friend, Mentor, Christian Brother, and most importantly Prayer Warrior. He cherished every relationship and truly loved unconditionally. Bill spent as much time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as possible taking them on vacations, building fire pits in the back yard, eating lots of candy, pitching ball, shopping for prom dresses and tuxedos, but most importantly sharing the love of Jesus with them. They brought him so much joy and happiness. His wife was, without a doubt, his single most important relationship as their romance spanned 70 years. Bill was a generous and kind-hearted man who loved and cared for anyone who crossed his path. He never met a stranger and shared his ever reassuring “bear hug” with all he encountered. He was so deeply loved by his family, friends, and community.
In lieu of flowers, Bill would, no doubt ask, that any memorial should advance the kingdom of God through donations to Calvary Baptist Church 2518 Lancaster Hwy. Monroe, NC; the Gideon Ministry, Union Camp West, PO Box 371, Monroe NC 28111; or a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be made at gordonfuneralservice.com.
Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Williams family.
