John Clark Williams

Mr. John Clark Williams, affectionately known as “Big John”, age 64, of Lexington Highway, Elberton, GA, husband of Amanda Joyce “Mandy” Rayle Williams, began celebrating in Heaven on Saturday afternoon, December 10, 2022, in Gainesville, FL, after a brief illness. John and Mandy were married on January 8, 1983.

Born in Williamston, SC on February 20, 1958, John was chosen at birth by his loving parents, Henry Austin Williams and Mildred Ann Bruce Williams. He was an only child raised with a neighborhood of children known as the “Forest Lane Gang.” A 1976 graduate of Belton-Honea Path High School, Big John went to work at 3M Company in Greenville, SC as a temporary employee in the summer of 1976. He continued to work there for 37 years until his retirement in 2013.

John sacrificed so much after he and Mandy made the decision to move from Belton, SC to Elberton, GA to raise their two children on the Rayle Family Farm. It didn’t take long for him to make Elberton his home. Big John was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Elberton, where he served as a greeter on Sundays, was a member of the Elberton Country Club, and was a member of the Elberton Elks Lodge #1100. His servant’s heart led him to be a lifelong volunteer for the Elbert County 4H Club, and he proudly participated in any endeavor Mandy, Austin, or Sammie were involved with. Big John loved golf and was an avid Clemson Tigers fan.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Mandy Rayle Williams of the home; son and daughter-in-law of Elberton, Austin and Hannah Williams; daughter and son-in-law of Lavonia, Sammie Jo and Dillon Lawless; grandsons: Landon, Bradley, and Bodie Williams; mother-in-law, Brenda Rayle; sister-in-law, Dixie McCarty; brother-in-law and his wife, Heath and Stacey Rayle; along with several nephews, great-nephews, and great-niece.

Big John loved the Lord, life, and people. His life is a true testament of the Lord’s love; he never met a stranger and greeted everyone with a smile and a famous Big John Hug. John will be missed tremendously, by not only his family but the entire community. To know him was to love him.

A Celebration of Big John’s life will be held at 2 o’clock on Saturday afternoon, December 17, at the First United Methodist Church of Elberton with the Rev. Jim McCollough officiating.

The family is at the residence and will receive friends from 5 o’clock until 7 o’clock on Friday evening, December 16, at Berry Funeral Home.

The family encourages those attending the services to wear Clemson colors or attire.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Playground Fund at First United Methodist Church, 132 Church Street, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. John Clark “Big John” Williams.