Burkett Williams

Burkett Williams, 95, of McMinn County, passed away Thursday, August 18th just 17 days short of his 96th birthday which would have been on September 4th. He was the last child of Jefferson Taylor and Minnie Emmaline Millsaps Williams. Mr. Williams was of the Baptist faith and a member of New Bethany Baptist church since 1932, when as a 12 year old boy, he received Christ as his personal Savior. He was a WWII Veteran, serving in the United States Army. He was extremely proud of his service to our country and had numerous stories to tell of being in 7 major campaigns. Burkett was a retired educator with the Loudon County, TN school system serving in Special Education at Eatons Crossroads, Loudon County High School and New Providence-where he retired as Principal. He also had a love for woodworking and a degree in horticulture. Burkett was a gifted clock and watchmaker, and also an avid gardener. He was loved by all and will be missed by many.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers Elbert Williams of Niota and Grover Williams of Allen Park, MI; three sisters: Dona Williams Burns of Lenoir City, Hazel Williams Presley of Athens, and Audrey Williams Ratledge of Athens.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory many nieces and nephews: Freddie and Lynn “Sissy” Miller of Riceville, Dean and Mary Stuart Ratledge of Rome, GA, William and Betty Williams Bryant of Athens, Darrell and Ann Williams Patterson of Chattanooga, Ray and Doris Burns of Lenoir City, Ronnie Presley and Brenda Presley both of Athens. He also leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends and two special great nephews who were like sons to him: Jon Wilson and Benji Wilson.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday August 20, 2016 at New Bethany Baptist Church located at 653 County Road 350, 37874 Sweetwater, TN with Rev. Steve Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00am until the 11:00am service time. Interment will follow the service in Niota Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Bethany Baptist Church.
You are invited to share a personal memory of Burkett or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral and Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Williams family with these arrangements.