Rev. John Ernest Williams

The Reverend John Ernest Williams, 100, of Winder, formerly of Lititz, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 11, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Buffalo, New York, to Ernest and Ellen Williams, John served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Cowanesque in the South Pacific. After returning home, he met and married Marie Kitson Williams, his beloved wife of more than 68 years, who preceded him in death.

A graduate of Canisius College, John began his career with the CPA firm Ernst & Ernst and later served as comptroller for WKBW-TV in Buffalo. Responding to a call to ministry, he and Marie moved to Massachusetts, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Divinity School. He pastored churches in Gilbertsville, New York, Burlington, Massachusetts, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. John also served on the executive board of the Ohio Baptist Convention, represented the Billy Graham Association, and was the first administrative pastor of Calvary Church in Lancaster from 1981 to 1990. Even in retirement, he continued to serve Calvary Church faithfully in many capacities.

He is survived by his five children and their spouses, Greg and Barbara Williams of Marietta, Georgia; Randy and Margaret Williams of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Brian and Jody Williams of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Gaynelle and Fred Bahrenburg of Austin, Texas; and Leanne and Tom Plack of Winder, Georgia. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, with another expected in April.