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Al enjoyed a very successful career in the insurance industry — beginning in Raleigh, NC, and then climbing the ladder with various roles and new adventures.

John Alton Williams Jr., age 74, lovingly known as Al, passed away from a courageous battle with a brief illness in Mooresville, North Carolina, on September 11, 2026.

Born on January 11, 1952, he was the oldest son of John Alton Williams and Helen Hunt Williams of Oxford, NC. He is predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Deborah Allison Harkey Williams. He is survived by his sons John (J.) III (Iris) of Wake Forest, NC, and Forrest (Ashley) of Huntersville, NC; his grandchildren Corbin, Cole, and Sutton of Wake Forest, NC and Jack and Bode of Huntersville, NC; his siblings Bruce Williams, Kenny Williams (Kathy), Randy Williams (Sharon), and Gary Williams (Melanie), all of Oxford, NC; his special friend, Bess Lawrence Terrell of Charlotte, NC; numerous nephews, nieces, special cousins, and a host of good friends.

Al’s success stemmed from his drive for greatness in childhood. Moving from Kinston, NC, to Oxford, NC in his formative years, Al forged a legacy from his multi-sport standouts at J. F. Webb High School. He was drafted in the second round of the 1970 Major League Baseball draft by the Houston Astros and spent several years in their minor league system until 1973. 

Following his baseball career, Al finished his education, graduating from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where he met the love of his life, Debbie. Al and Debbie were married on February 4, 1978, and soon settled in Raleigh, NC, to begin their next chapter. Al enjoyed a very successful career in the insurance industry — beginning in Raleigh, NC, and then climbing the ladder with various roles and new adventures for his family over the years — taking them to Kernersville, NC, Indianapolis, IN, Southlake, TX, and then ultimately ending his career in Charlotte, NC, as an executive with Allstate. Back in North Carolina, he could do what he loved best: watch his sons play baseball as they were pursuing their collegiate baseball careers in North Carolina. His retirement years brought more time to enjoy his love of music and shag dancing with Debbie and friends in Atlantic Beach, boating and fishing on Lake Norman with family, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, and bird and deer hunting adventures that provided lifelong memories for his sons, grandsons, great friends, and family. 

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Al’s legacy will live on through his crowning joy — his family.

Al lived his life daily, much like his high school senior quote, “I try all things, and achieve what I can.” His achievements in life will certainly be measured in his earthly successes, but more importantly, his legacy will live on through his crowning joy — his family. 

Al’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Enon Baptist Church, 2298 Enon Road, Oxford, North Carolina in his memory.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home for family and friends to visit. A service to honor Al’s amazing life will be held on Tuesday, September 15, at 11 AM at Enon Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. 

The Williams family is being cared for with honor by the staff of Gentry-Newell and Vaughan Funeral Home, 503 College St., Oxford, NC 27565. Online memorials are available at www.gnvfuneralhome.com.