Cecil Coakland Williams

Cecil Coakland Williams, 90, loving husband of 67 years to Betty Anne Dixon Williams, entered into his eternal rest Friday afternoon, February 24, 2023 at Piedmont Augusta Extended Care Westwood in Evans. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM Thursday afternoon, March 2, 2023, with Rev. Tommy Harwell officiating. Interment will follow in the Waldens United Methodist Church Cemetery in Avera.

One of thirteen born to the late Queen Mariah Parish Williams and the late Sam Williams, Cecil grew up in rural Jefferson County and attended Avera High School. He worked for Jefferson Dairies in Louisville before moving to Augusta where he was employed by Colonial Food Stores.  Visiting home to attend a party, he “noticed” a childhood neighbor who became the love of his life.  After a whirlwind romance, he whisked her away from the country to the city seven weeks after her graduation, marrying her in Aiken SC and making their home in Augusta. After retiring from Colonial, Cecil worked in the Shipping/Receiving at University Hospital, retiring for the second time after twelve years of service. He then drove a school bus for Richmond County for a year before he starting driving for the Bob Richards Auto Group, retiring for the third time in February, 2020. Cecil was one to always stay busy. He was always “tinkering” and “fixin” things—taking it apart and putting it back together, and always having extra “parts” when he finished. He did not believe in throwing away something you just might need one day.  Being very active, Cecil loved being outdoors fishing, gardening, cutting grass, and just plain piddling.  This quiet, unassuming, unpretentious and modest man also had a great sense of humor and loved nothing more than to tease family and friends, making them laugh and have a good time. He created good memories with everyone around him.  His big stature housed a big heart who loved greatly and was greatly loved. As a young man, Cecil accepted God’s free gift of salvation through His son, Jesus Christ, and served him in the fellowship of Waldens United Methodist Church in Avera. In Augusta, he actively served Him at Cokesbury United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. In the last few years, Cecil made the drive to his “home” church to share in their fellowship. He put his God first in all things followed by his family who he loved beyond words.  Even though he will be missed greatly by those he left behind, we have the hope and assurance of his now experiencing pure joy, peace, and love in his eternal home in Heaven where he is awaiting a grand reunion with his beloved soul mate.  

Cecil is also preceded in death by his son, John Michael Williams; and eleven siblings, Jesse Williams, Sarah Duggan, Margaret Payton, Kenneth Williams, Clifford Williams, Buford Williams, Joe Williams, and four infants. Others left to cherish his memories include his son, Robert “Jerry” Williams (Karen); sister, Mary Williams Hall; four grandchildren, Heather N. Wilson (Bobby), Jonathan A. Williams, Rebecca L. Williams and Jason E. Williams (Amee); nine great grandchildren, Kaelyn Baker, Ryleigh Baker, Mariah Wilson, Peyton Williams, Shelby Reinhart, Braelyn Wigley, Eliana Williams, Sydali Williams and Indelwynn Williams; nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family, church family and friends.  Serving as pallbearers will be Gene Daniel, Austin Hall, Jeffrey Lewis, Scott Lewis, Johnny Royal, Randall Tudor, Sammy Williams and Wayne Williams.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Waldens UMC Cemetery Fund, c/o Patricia Kitchens, 1304 Hadden Pond Rd, Avera GA 30803 OR to Golden Harvest Food Bank, 3310 Commerce Dr, Augusta GA 30909 or by visiting www.goldenharvest.org and clicking on the “Donate” tab.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 1, 2023.