METROPOLIS, Ill. — Lowell Junior Williams, 90, of Hendersonville, N.C., formerly of Metropolis, Ill., passed away Thursday, August 30, 2012, in Hendersonville, NC. Lowell was born Monday, August 28, 1922, in Pope County, Illinois, to George and Lena Williams. Mr. Williams’ ancestors have been residents of Southern Illinois since 1805.

Mr. Williams married Essie Mae Sowels of Saline County, Illinois, on October 2, 1940. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943, serving with both the Marine 2nd and 4th divisions in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the surrender of Japan, he was a member of the U.S. Occupation Force and later served as part of the military guard protecting President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Mr. Williams was a Church of God Minister serving congregations in Arcadia, Indiana, Roseburg, Indiana, Tuscola, Illinois, Centralia, Illinois and Crawfordsville, Indiana. Besides his pastoral duties, Mr. Williams served on many state and national boards and committees of the Church of God. After his retirement in 1984, he returned to Southern Illinois, where he served churches on an interim basis. He was also heavily involved in community work in Massac County.

During his lifetime Mr. Williams was often recognized for his service. He was included in the Dictionary of International Biography and was twice listed in Who’s Who in Religion.

Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his wife, Essie, in 1997. He is survived by his son, Bob Williams of Fletcher, North Carolina; his granddaughters, Jennifer Vann of Marietta, Georgia, and Amy Joyce of Waltham, Massachusetts; grandson, Dustin Eckenberg of Metropolis, Illinois; and great-grandchildren Noah Vann, Esther Vann, Caroline Joyce, Hayden Eckenberg and CJ Eckenberg.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 3, 2012, at Miller Funeral Home in Metropolis with the Revs. Glen Stewart and Ryan Vann officiating. Music is being provided by Cathey Tilker. Burial will follow in the Spring Valley Cemetery in Saline County, Ill.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 3, 2012, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the funeral home.