Obituary

Joe Ard Williams, Jr.

May 2, 1949 - December 8, 2023

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the loss of Joe Ard (Papa) Williams, Jr.  On Friday, December 8, 2023, Papa passed away with Nana by his side.  He had been ill for quite some time, and his earthy body could simply take no more.  As a family, we are comforted in knowing that he is no longer suffering.  Papa has passed through the pearly gates of Heaven, and is now reunited with his loved ones.

Papa Joe Ard will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Carol “Renee” Williams and his children, Chris (Debbie) Williams, and Jennifer (John) Warren.  His four grandchildren, Seth, Emma, and Jessie Williams, and Daniel Warren will cherish the memories made with their Papa.  He is survived by his brother, Jeffrey (Suzanne) Williams.  Papa Joe Ard is proceeded in death by his parents, Joe Ard Sr. and Dorothy Bear Williams.  

Papa inherited a love for painting from his mother, Dorothy.  Each week he looked forward to gathering with his friends to create beautiful paintings while sharing stories about God’s blessings.

Papa loved making memories with his grandchildren.   Papa would spend hours fishing for “red-bellies,” hunting for frogs and gators in his pond, or searching for arrowheads in the garden with his grandkids.  One thing was for sure, if they went to Papa’s clean, they were certain to come home covered in dirt!  He believed the great outdoors was where they should be.

As a member of Lee’s Creek Baptist Church, Papa loved teaching his youth Sunday School class.  Oh my goodness the stories those kids would tell!  He gave the children just as much love as his own, and taught them lifelong lessons about how to live according to God’s will.

Papa Joe Ard was a member of the Center Lodge #244, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and an Acadia Temple Shriner.

We are going to miss Papa dearly and are so grateful that God blessed us with such an incredible Patriarch to serve as a role model for our families.

A visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. and again on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. A Masonic Service will be conducted in the chapel of the funeral home on Monday at 6:00 P.M. 

Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Tuesday morning at 11:00 A.M with Rev. Patrick Magee officiating. Interment to follow in Lee’s Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.