Contributed by
Kinley Funeral Home
Springfield, Ohio
John Henry Williams Sr. “Bubba / Big John,’’ who was a high school and Navy boxing champion, died Wednesday, January 8, 2020. He was 85.
Mr. Williams was born January 9, 1934, in Macon, Georgia, to the late Laura Bell Williams (White) and Pate Elton Williams.
He graduated from “Old Woodward” High School in Cincinnati in 1953. While attending Woodward, he played football and baseball. His senior year he pitched a no-hitter in the city tournament against Walnut Hills High School. He was also a talented boxer, winning the Silver Gloves, National Golden Gloves Regional Championship in Cincinnati and fought in the National Golden Gloves finals in Chicago, Illinois. After high school, he served in The United
States Navy (1953-1957), where he became the All Navy Boxing Champion. He enjoyed bowling and played in many tournaments. The Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds were his favorite sports teams. He was a member of Elisha Lodge No. 106.
Mr. Williams retired from Ford Motor Co. on May 1, 1996.
He was a faithful member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Cincinnati.
Mr. Williams is survived by sisters, Marjorie Collier and Dorothy Williams; sons, John M. Howell (Dena), Darin Kelly (Angie), Brett Kelly, Trent Kelly (Michelle); daughters, Kathy Graves Hankerson, Dawn C. Williams, Carla D. Williams, and Coni E. Williams; daughter-in-law, Denise R. Williams; grandchildren, Ahtum Cleveland, Isiah Graves, Matthew Graves, Simeon Graves, Alexander Williams, Samantha Wise, Christopher Williams, Taylor Williams, Jordan Kelly, Aleshia Kelly, Maya Kelly, Kayla Williams, and Kya Williams; 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pate and Laura Williams; sister, Patricia Ann Phillips; ex-wives, Sarah Williams and Patricia Williams; sons, John H. Williams Jr. and David C. Williams.