SUFFOLK - James A. Williams, Sr. of the 35 hundred block of Nansemond Parkway, answered the Master's call April 2, 2008 in Sentara Leigh Hospital.  A native of Nansemond County, he was son of Walter and Willie F. Williams who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by one sister, Frances Eason, and four brothers, Cadd Williams, John Williams, Roosevelt Williams, and William Henry Williams.

He was an Army veteran of World War II and received the Victory Medal. He retired as a Forklift Operator at Norfolk Naval Shipyard after more than 35 years of service.  Mr. Williams was very active in his church and community.  He was a member of Poplar Run Baptist Church where he served on the Trustee Board, was a  Sunday School teacher, was a member and President of the Senior Choir, and member of the Tabernacle Broadcast Choir.  He was one of the original members of the Southern Hummingbirds gospel singers, charter member of the Driver Independent Voters League, Nansemond Parkway Civic League, and served as Chaplain, First African American Boy Scout Troop in Driver.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 57 years, Flossie M. Williams; five daughters, Flossie Lawrence of Portsmouth, Lorraine Williams of Suffolk, Loretta Green of Portsmouth, Allison Ridley (Henry), and Iris Roberts (Joseph) of Suffolk; two sons, Rev. James A. Williams, Jr. and Bryan Williams (Stacey) of Suffolk; five sisters, Cora Scott (Lonnie), Rosa Sabb, Hattie Hale (Walter), Mattie Holley (Alphonso), and Barbie Boone, all of Suffolk; one brother, Robert Williams (Linda) of Suffolk; 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.   

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at Poplar Run Baptist Church, 5330 Bennetts Pasture Road, Suffolk, and will be officiated by his son, The Rev. James A. Williams, Jr.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  The family will be at 3567 Nansemond Parkway. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.