Reverend John Williams (2 Jul 1931 - 6 Jul 2020)

John was born in Leicester to Douglas and Miriam Williams. He was the eldest brother of Bridget, Heather and Glyn. John went to school in Leicester until he attended Worcester Royal Grammar School. As a young man he played rugby and cricket.

He served in the Army for his National Service becoming a sergeant where he taught younger recruits.

He did his ordination training at Tynedale Hall, Bristol. He was ordained deacon in 1957 and priest in 1958 within the Diocese of London. He served his curacy title with Holy Trinity, Cloudesley Square, Islington.

It was during his time in Islington that he met Elizabeth, a nurse, and they were married in 1959. Their first son Stephen was born the following year.

Between 1960 and 1964 John became Travelling Secretary for Universities in the South for InterVarsity Fellowship. In 1964 John was appointed as Vicar at St Stephen, Selly Hill, in the Diocese of Birmingham.

John moved to Nottingham in 1974 where he became Vicar at Christ Church, Chilwell until 1990. With its proximity to St. John’s Theological College, John supported and encouraged many training for ordination during his ministry at Christ Church.

In 1990, John moved to become Priest-in-Charge to St John the Evangelist, Perlethorpe and St Mary, Norton Cuckney. John also served as Diocesan Tourism Officer and chaplain at Center Parcs from 1990 to 1995. John retired in 1995 to Winster in Derbyshire and served in the Diocese of Derby. In retirement, he and Elizabeth became chaplains for Thomson holiday makers in Europe. Sadly in 2008, John and Elizabeth lost their son, Stephen to cancer. In 2011 he moved to Mapperley and became a valued member at St. James Porchester.

John died peacefully at home on 6th July. He leaves his wife Elizabeth and three surviving grown up children – David, Phil and Mark and nine grandchildren Rob, Sarah, Nat, Sam, James, Ben, Josh, Anna and Lara.

John loved watching sport, (especially his beloved Leicester City FC and Leicester Tigers), playing cards (especially 10 up), birdwatching and gardening.

The funeral will take place at St James Porchester for immediate family followed by a burial at Chilwell Cemetery. It is the intention of the family that there will be a Thanksgiving service at Christ Church Chilwell in the future when the current restrictions are lifted.