John R. Williams

John R. Williams, 89, of Plantation, FL (formerly of Springfield, VA) passed away peacefully at Hospice by the Sea Tuesday 7/25/17.  He is survived by his wife, Christine A. (nee Schuette), daughters Nancianna Martin (Jim), Evelyn Williams, Christine M. Williams, Sarah Monson (Chris), son John P. Williams, son-in-law Donald Lutchman, sister, Margaret Daniels (Ray), brother, Richard Williams, and his best-friend, Big Red.  He was Pop Pop to 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.    Preceded in death by his daughter, Theresa Lutchman, brother, Donald Williams and sister, Mary Elizabeth Nelson.   John grew up in Eldred, PA, and upon high school graduation, served in the Merchant Marines. Graduated with a Bachelors in Animal Husbandry from Penn State and a Masters in Agricultural Economics from Ohio State.  He worked for 35 years for USDA in the dairy marketing division.   John was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 60 years, served as financial secretary, and achieved Fourth Degree. He was active in building and fundraising adaptive playgrounds, as a member of KOVAR.   He was an avid college football fan (GO BUCKS!), farm league (baseball) fan, reader, country music fan, bingo player, follower of the stock market and gardener.   One of John’s Five Wishes, was that his family and friends knew he was thankful for everything.   Memorial gathering will take place, Saturday, 7/29, from 3-5 PM, at TM Ralph Plantation Funeral Home, 7001 NW 4th St., Plantation, FL  33317.  A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, July 31, 10 AM, at St David Catholic Church, 3900 S. University Drive, Davie, FL  33328. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Fairfax Memorial Park, Fairfax, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his loving memory to: Hope Outreach Center, Inc. 4700 SW 64th Avenue, Suite A, Davie, FL  33314-4433 or Hospice By The Sea, 1531 W Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33486.  Arrangements entrusted to T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home,  (954) 587-6888, tmralph.com