John Henry Williams Jr.'s Obituary
Johnny made his final voyage home on November 4, 2017. Born in Dallas, Texas on January 8, 1935, to John Henry and Bonnie Williams, Sr., it became readily apparent that east Dallas was about to be changed for the better. While attending Woodrow Wilson High School, Johnny contributed to his father’s boat concession on White Rock Lake where he could be found repairing boat engines, giving speed boat rides, chasing alligators and manning the Bonnie Barge party boat. In his free time away from the lake, Johnny focused on playing football and marching in the ROTC at Woodrow, boxing in the Golden Gloves and convincing the beautiful Joanie Moore to be his bride-to-be. Being both a fighter and a romantic, Johnny took on projects and people with a determination and passion that lead to a lifetime of joy and excitement. Whether it be attending SMU and UT, serving in the Naval Reserve, starting a boat dealership on Garland Road, developing a marina on Lake Ray Hubbard, or raising a family in Lake Highlands, Johnny successfully faced any challenge with brute resolve and careful planning. Known as a friend and mentor to many, some of Johnny’s greatest gifts were his willingness to help repair anything ranging from old outboard engines to damaged financial statements to broken personal relationships. Johnny carefully balanced both truth and grace as he artfully navigated life’s curve balls, always seeking what is good and never backing down from hard work. While Johnny maintained a fiercely independent soul, his marriage to Joanie in 1955 opened his life to a bonding and loving relationship for over 60-years. Together, Johnny and Joanie raised three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren all while being a life guide for countless people. Together, they were a lover of people and lakes from Lake Highlands to Lake Texoma. Simply put, Johnny was a worker, a fighter, a soldier, a romantic, a pilot, a boat dealer, a pawn broker, a captain, a mentor, a mechanic, a developer, a builder, a provider, a lover, a coach, a son, a husband, a dad, and a redeemed soul saved by grace. Johnny will be missed but, because of his faith in Jesus Christ, he will live forever. And we shall see him again. Johnny was preceded in death by his awesome bride, Joanie, and is survived by his daughters Kim Kotrla (Mike) and Kelly Norman (Ken), his son Kirk Williams (Cindy), his grandchildren Hallie Heeg (Juergen), Justin Kotrla (Ashley), Abbie Lynch (Mike), Wade Kotrla (Lindsay), Mackenzie Williams, Meyer Williams, and Nikki Norman, and his great-grandchildren Zoey, Ella and Emmi. The Family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home. Services will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at 2:00 PM at Fellowship Bible Church Dallas. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the sweet and wonderful ministry of Faith Presbyterian Hospice, 12477 Merit Drive, Dallas, TX 75251.
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