James Earl Williams

James Earl Williams, 95, of Evans, Georgia, passed away on January 18, 2024, in Evans, Georgia.

James Earl Williams was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Lyda Lucille Hinchey Williams and Charlie Wilburn Williams on June 14, 1928. He attended high school in Knoxville, and then graduated from the University of Tennessee with a major in chemistry. He then graduated from the dental school in Memphis, Tennessee, with a D.D.S. (Doctorate of Dental Surgery.) Later, Earl earned his Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of Chapel Hill in North Carolina. He has a Life Membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society.

He worked in private practice in Knoxville, Tennessee, for a period of time, before pursuing his career in Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. In 1969, he was hired as one of the first faculty members at the Medical College of Georgia Dental School, in Augusta, Ga. He served as the Chairman of Community Dentistry until his retirement in 1993.

Earl married the love of his life, Katherine Eva Bolton, on March 18, 1950. They had three children together – Karen, Diane, and Jimmy. Earl and Kathy recently celebrated 73 years of marriage together.

Earl served in the Air Force where he worked as a dentist in the rank of Captain.

Earl Williams was a very active member of First Baptist Church of Evans where he served as a deacon, choir member, and Sunday School teacher. He and his wife, Kathy, helped to found the Columbia County Choral Society in 1997. Earl was a bass while Kathy sang soprano.

Earl was an avid golfer, reader, and discusser of books. He was a member of the Augusta Rotary Club for years. He was proud of his Hole-in-One Certificate which he earned from Forest Hills Golf Club in 1999. He has been a loyal patron of the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta since 1969.

Earl Williams is preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph Williams, Steve Williams, Floyd Williams, and other members of his extended family.

Earl Williams is survived by his wife, Kathy; adult children Karen Blackburn (husband Ronny Blackburn), Diane Erbland (husband Peter Erbland), and Jimmy Williams. Grandchildren include: Colin Blackburn, Ian Blackburn, Andrew Erbland and his wife Stephanie Erbland, Dan Erbland, David Williams and Danielle McAlister, and Jennifer Williams Mallette. Great grandchildren include Emmitt Erbland, Miller Erbland, and Hartley Williams.

Memorials for James Earl Williams may be given to the Covenant House and Habitat for Humanity.

The family of Earl Williams wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all those who have supported us with kindness and love throughout his illness.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Augusta on 3500 Walton Way Extension, Augusta, Georgia. Visitation of Friends will be at 11 AM. The funeral will begin at noon in the chapel with Philip Hedgecoth officiating. A luncheon will follow at 1 PM. The graveside gathering will be at 3 PM. Arrangements are by Platts Funeral Home on North Bel Air Road.