John Williams Obituary

John "Jack" Howard Williams, 89, passed away at his home in Pawleys Island, SC on Saturday, June 28, 2025. He was born on April 19, 1936 in Urbana, IL to Howard and Velma Williams. Jack and his wife, Lynne, raised their children, Lisa, Barry, and Michael, primarily in Hendersonville, NC before retiring to Seneca, SC. Jack's love for his family knew no bounds – he spent much of his time with his family, from adventures like road trips and skiing trips to fun holidays at the lake. Among Jack's greatest joys was travelling with Lynne and friends, biking, snow and water skiing, and tennis. A lifelong thrill seeker, Jack participated in both the Summer and Winter Senior Olympics and excelled at every event, bringing home multiple medals in every color. Jack and Lynne felt a strong desire to give back and did so through numerous philanthropic efforts to help fund and administer multiple scholarships, including a Crossroads scholarship at his alma mater, University High School in Normal, IL, and the creation of the Dr. John H. and Lynne B. Williams Endowed Premedical Scholarship Fund at Baylor University. Jack's charitable passions continued throughout his life, notably, with Oconee County Hospice and St. Jude, where he was a member of the Danny Thomas – St. Jude Society. As humble as he was adventurous, Jack never would have bragged about his accomplishments. He served in the Army Armored Signal Company from 1954-1957 in both active duty and reserves. Jack then graduated from Baylor University in 1960 and Baylor School of Medicine in 1964. Completing an internship in radiology and residency at University of Virginia Hospital and a fellowship in vascular radiology at Duke University Medical center, he continued to work as an accomplished and decorated radiologist at Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital in Hendersonville, NC for most of his career. Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lynne; daughter Lisa Atkinson (Andy) of Pawleys Island, SC; son Barry Williams (Kate) of Lexington, SC; son Michael Williams of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren Elizabeth (Nathan), Drew, Grace (Turner), and Dax; sister-in-law Karen Palmer of Williamsburg, VA; nephew and niece Ken and Stacy. Jack's heart was as big as his smile and he will be remembered and missed by all who knew him, especially his family. A memorial service will be held at a later date at St. John's Lutheran Church in Walhalla, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack's memory to St. John's Lutheran Church via check to 301 West Main Street Walhalla, SC 29691, or online at https://www.stjohnswalhalla.org/support/. Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet (843.651.1440) is assisting the family.