Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

318 The North Carolina Annual Conference – 2012 Journal
mere spectator of life but an energetic and involved leader. As a person who suffered from
pulmonary fibrosis for several years, he proved that he could overcome adversity and continue
many of his activities. On 11-11-11, the ”sweet chariot” that he had been waiting for
came down and carried him to his heavenly home. In one of the numerous poems that he
wrote, he indicated that when the time came he would have his bags packed and ready to
go. A graveside service was conducted by Rev. Adam Seate at the La Grange cemetery in La
Grange, N.C.
James Alvin Williams
1920 - 2012
The Reverend James Alvin Williams, was born July 22, 1920,
in Pender County, North Carolina, the son of Alvin Shaw
Williams and his wife Annie Thompson Williams.
He passed into the Church Triumphant Sunday, January 22,
2012 in Wake County, North Carolina. Jimmy was a veteran of
the United States Army and served during World War II.
He began his ministry on the Pembroke Circuit in 1956 and was admitted to the Conference
in 1962. He retired from active ministry in 1986 but continued to be active in his local
church, Plank Chapel. There he will be remembered as a member of the United Methodist
Men and the Allen Bible Class. He was also a member of the Wilmington Masonic Lodge
#319 and attained the 32nd Degree in the Scottish Rites.
A funeral service celebrating his life and ministry was held Thursday January 26, 2012, at
Plank Chapel led by the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Roy and Rev. Bud Budzinski. Honorary pallbearers
were the members of the United Methodist Men and burial was in the Plank Chapel United
Methodist Church Cemetery.
The Rev. Williams was survived by one daughter, Kay Williams Deans and husband, James of
Kittrell; one granddaughter, Pam Gregory Dickerson ; three great grandsons, Aaron Evans,
Zach Dickerson and Samuel Dickerson; two step-grandchildren, James Deans; Jr. and wife,
Donna, and Shannon Franks and husband, Gary; and three step- great-grandchildren.
With the hymn-writer he could say,
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
– William C. Simpson, Jr.