Joshua Williams, Sr.

Deacon Joshua Williams, Sr., age 80, of Gretna, Florida, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Born on June 25, 1945, in Two Egg, Florida, Deacon Williams was a lifelong resident of Gadsden County and a pillar of the Gretna community. He was educated locally and earned his GED, later dedicating many years of service to both his trade and his community. Deacon Williams was a retired barber, widely known and respected throughout Gretna, and also served with the Gadsden County School Board. His barbershop was more than a place of business, it was a gathering space where wisdom, laughter, and fellowship were freely shared. To many, he was affectionately known as “The Legend.”

A man of deep faith, Deacon Williams was a devoted member of St. Stephen Primitive Baptist Church in Gretna, Florida, where he served faithfully as a Deacon and remained committed to the work of the church throughout his life. He was also an active member of the Old West Florida Primitive Baptist Association and served his city as a former Gretna City Commissioner, always striving to uplift and serve others.

Deacon Williams enjoyed fishing and cherished time spent with family, friends, and neighbors. His quiet strength, steady guidance, and unwavering commitment to service left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Joshua Williams, Jr. of Gretna, Florida; Darrell Williams (Charlotte) of Chattahoochee, Florida; Nathaniel Williams (Robin) of Daytona Beach, Florida; Jewlanda Williams Fagg (Willie) of Quincy, Florida; and Byron Williams (Ronette) of Daytona Beach, Florida; one sister, Bessie Williams of Gretna, Florida; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Funeral services for Deacon Joshua Williams, Sr. will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Tabernacle Church of Christ Written In Heaven, Gretna, Florida. Interment will follow at Sunnyvale Cemetery, Quincy, Florida. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Stephen Primitive Baptist Church, Gretna, Florida.

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