Rev. John Ernest Williams

The Reverend John Ernest Williams, 100, of Winder, formerly of Lititz, PA, went home to be with his Savior Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at his residence. 

John was born in Buffalo, NY, to Ernest and Ellen Williams and after high school served in the US Navy during World War II aboard the USS Cowanesque in the South Pacific. When he returned to Buffalo, he met and married his wife of more than 68 years, Marie Kitson Williams who preceded him in death.

Mr. Williams graduated from Canisius College and worked for the CPA firm Ernst & Ernest before becoming the comptroller for WKBW-TV in Buffalo. John and Marie, realizing the Lord’s call to ministry, moved to MA where John earned his Master of Divinity degree from Gordon (Conwell) Divinity School. He went on to pastor churches in Gilberstville, NY, Burlington, MA, and Lancaster, PA. John also served on the executive board of the Ohio Baptist Convention, a representative of the Billy Graham Association, and as the first administrative pastor of Calvary Church, Lancaster, PA, from 1981-1990. After his retirement, he continued to serve Calvary Church in many other ways.

Mr. Williams is survived by his five children and their spouses, Greg (and Barbara) Williams, Marietta, GA; Randy (and Margaret) Williams, Lancaster, PA, Brian (and Jody) Williams, Lancaster, PA, Gaynelle (and Fred) Bahrenburg, Austin, TX, and Leanne (and Tom) Plack, Winder, GA. He also leaves 17 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren with another due in April.

Interment services with military honors will be held at the National Cemetery of Georgia at the convenience of the family.

Maddox Memorial Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements.