John David Williams

JD (John David) Williams, 88, formerly of Swanton, Ohio and Sevierville, Tennessee, died February 24, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. He was born in Sevier County, Tennessee on December 16, 1933 to Claude H. and Dicie E. (Seaton) Williams. After attending Sevier County High School, JD left Tennessee to work as a Merchant Marine on the Great Lakes, hauling iron ore and materials to build the Mackinaw Bridge.

JD would spend the next four decades as an ironworker. His most commendable work projects include the stadiums at UT and BGSU, Enrico Fermi Nuclear Power Plant, and several buildings at the Toledo Zoo. After retirement, he raised Black Angus cattle with his wife on their farm. JD will be remembered as a "jack of all trades,” able to fix just about anything. He loved old cars, motorcycles, tractors, and the Smoky Mountains, but he loved his wife and his children above all.

JD was a lifelong member of Toledo Ironworkers #55 and had been a Mason for the last 6o years. He was also a member of Alder Branch Baptist Church.

JD is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Helen L. (Hill) Williams; children David (Pip) Williams, Donna (Mike) Vascik, Sondra (Doug) Samsen, and Bruce (Susan) Williams; grandchildren Kimberly (Richard) Dixon, Ryan (Emily) Williams, Mark (Jessica) Williams, Michael (Nadine) Vascik, Matt (Carrie) Vascik, Joe (Jen) Vascik, Brian Samsen, Brett (Clara) Samsen, Brad Samsen, Brianna Williams, Sabrina Williams, and Isabella Williams; great-grandchildren Owen, Helena, Brandon, Logan, Ella, Henry, Valentine, Lawrence, and Ivan. He is also survived by his dear sister, Aileen Oglesby.

He was preceded by his parents and siblings, Ruth Evelyn Leary, Margie Lipinski, and Bruce Williams.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their compassionate care during his final days. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution, please consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio (800 South Detroit Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43609) or the Alzheimer's Association (225 North Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601).

Arrangements will be handled by Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home in Perrysburg, Ohio and

Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville, Tennessee. Family will receive friends on Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Alder Branch Baptist Church (809 Alder Branch Road, Sevierville, Tennessee 37876). Funeral services will then begin at 12:00 pm, immediately followed by interment services in Alder Branch Baptist Church cemetery.