Billy Joe Williams

Billy Joe Williams, 87, of Cornelia, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Born in Rabun County, Georgia on June 10, 1938, he was a son of the late Elmer Charles Williams and Mildred Nix Williams. Billy Joe was a hardworking man who dedicated much of his life to serving both his community and his family. Over the years, he worked in the janitorial and carpet cleaning industry before retiring as a maintenance technician with Fieldale Farms Corporation. At different times throughout his life, Billy Joe also served his community as a police officer with the Cornelia, Baldwin, and Cleveland Police Departments.

Known by many as a “jack of all trades,” Billy Joe had a natural ability to fix just about anything. If something was broken, he could usually find a way to make it work again. In his spare time, he enjoyed piddling in his workshop crafting and repairing various things with his hands. He loved the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, feeding the birds, or tending to his flowers in the garden. Among his greatest companions was his beloved dog, Shiloh, whom he loved dearly.

Above all else, Billy Joe treasured his family. His greatest treasure was the time he spent with his children and grandchildren, making memories that will be cherished for generations. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who will be remembered for his quiet strength, kind heart, and the love he shared with those around him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughters, Shelia Williams and Jodi Williams Gerrell; and brothers, E.C. Williams, Charlie “Shorty” Williams, T.J. Williams, and Jimmy Williams; and sister Velina Williams.

Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Brenda Shirley Williams; children, Cory & Leah Williams, Joey Williams, Leta Chan Williams & Tim Painter, and Madison & Javier Hernandez; grandchildren, Cole & Michelle Wiley, Jordan Wiley, Blake Gerrell, Cierra & Judson Hunt, Amy Jones, Rylee & Roxie Williams, Bray Williams, Jesse Williams, Kylee Williams, Gauge Williams, Haven Smith, & Owen Smith; great-grandchildren, Eli, Emmett, Evelyn, Malcolm, Mason, Mia, Greyson, Klementine, and Gwendolyn Wiley; Sawyer, Jonah, and Hazel Gerrell; Teoh Hernandez, Braelynn and Lakin Hunt; and Mavery and Millie Williams. He is also survived by brother, Reggie Williams; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Benfield and Rev. Gary Osteen officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens in Demorest.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour on Saturday.

An online guest registry is available for the Williams family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.