Earnest "Ernie" E. Williams, Jr.

Ernie was born in Tifton, Georgia, but spent his formative years in Keystone Heights and Gainesville, Florida. He served in the Navy, both active duty and reserve, from 1969 until 1975. As befitting such a skilled talker and sharp dresser, his career was in sales, and he could indeed sell freezers to Eskimos. He enjoyed all of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golf, watching the seasons change, and listening to creatures sing, call, and chatter. His joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of almost 32 years, Virginia; his son, Jason, and Nikki Williams, and grandchildren, Eliya and Kailah; his daughter, Danielle, and Brian Doughtie, and grandchildren, Gabby and AJ; his daughter, Shelly Reese, and grandchildren, Danielle and Allison; and his brothers, Ray Williams and Bob Williams. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children, his in-laws, and Jason and Danielle's mother, Nancy Kingsbury Williams. He was predeceased by his parents, Mavis and Gene Williams; his sister, Karen Parker; his sister-in-law, Brenda Williams; and his grandchild, Charlotte Reese. The family thanks all our friends for the support and love over the past several years, and the compassionate team at Gentiva Hospice in Newnan. The funeral service will be at 10 o'clock in the morning, Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Newnan, Georgia, with a reception to follow in the church parish hall. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Meals on Wheels of Coweta, Inc., PO Box 73437, Newnan, Georgia, 30271. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com. The laws of nature that dictate the sunset dictate our demise. But how we travel the arc between our own sunrise and sundown is ours to choose: Will it be denial, defiance, or collaboration? - Parker J. Palmer, quote found in Ernie's Book(s) of Wisdom Death has nothing to do with going away. The sun sets and the moon sets, but they're not one. - Rumi, quote found in Ernie's Book(s) of Wisdom Socks are one of the few ways men have to display sartorial splendor. - Gordon Ramsey (no, not that one) at a St. Paul's Newnan Men's Spiritual Retreat, quote found in Ernie's Book(s) of Wisdom McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Earnest "Ernie" E. Williams, Jr.

June 5, 1948 - February 26, 2026