Joseph Rance Williams

Joseph Rance Williams, of Dothan, Alabama was born on December 9, 1948, to the late Joseph Williams and Tolina Rance.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Oliver Millbrook, Willie B. (Arnesta) Thomas, Clarence (Earnestine) Williams, Johnny Stokes and Carl Williams; three sisters, Annie Florence Graham, Betty Jo Thomas, and Carrie Bell (Samuel) Anglin; his father-in law, Paul Terry Neal, Sr., and his brother-in-law Larry Smith.

He leaves to cherish his precious loving memories, his wife, Clorinda Neal Williams; three sons, Jovar Reon Williams, Dorian Neal, and Joseph Rance Williams, Jr.; three daughters, Ieisha Williams, Nicole Winns, and Jariah Williams; one sister Janie Smith; one brother Barney (Sue) Stokes; mother-in-law, Jenell Neal; fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and lifelong friends, Jimmy Reeves, Trane Herring, Dan Reynolds and Donny Reeves.

Joseph confessed Christ at an early age and united with New Bethel Baptist Church.  He faithfully served during his developmental years.  Joseph later united with North Highland Baptist Church. He supported the Youth Ministry and Missionary Ministry.

He attended George Washington Carver High School and was a graduate of the class of 1967.  Upon graduation he joined the Marine Corps in the summer of 1967. He served three years as an MOS 0311 in the Vietnam War. He received the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged. 

After his service, he went on to further his education at a community college in New York, New York.  He then joined the New York Police Department and retired after 21 years of service.  He was the ultimate girl dad. Jariah says, “my dad had one of the biggest impacts on my character.  He showed me that I can do all things but fail If I just apply myself, pray, and know that success is the only road for me.”

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