Dr. Jack Williams, former communications director at Welch College, died suddenly April 29. He was 73. Reverend Williams suffered a stroke in November 2012, from which he fought hard to recover.
Williams graduated from Welch College in 1966. He received his M.A. from Sacramento Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Louisiana Baptist University. Dr. Williams served 27 years as editor of Contact, the official publication of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, and 24 years as convention coordinator, plus eight years as academic dean at California Christian College. He pastored in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana. He also served on the Free Will Baptist Historical Commission.
Jack came to Welch in 2005 as the director of communications and served there until 2014. His knowledge of the college history and Free Will Baptist history made him a perfect fit for writing and editing. Welch President Matt Pinson said, “Jack Williams was just the man we needed when he came to Welch. In addition to his first-rate writing and editing, he brought to the table a deep love for the Free Will Baptist denomination and the college, as well as a keen understanding of our history and culture. He was a great encourager to me personally.”
He is survived by his wife Janis; daughter, Dr. Rebecca Deel (Recardo), Business teacher at Welch; son, Brad Williams (Tina); and four grandchildren, Austin and Andrew Deel (both Welch students) and Kristen and Kullen Williams; sister, Carol Mariche; and brother, Jerry Williams. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Kyler Williams.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 4, 7:00 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home Hickory Chapel (5852 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211) with visitation prior at 5:00.