The Lord called Johnnie Williams Jr., 83, of Greentop, Missouri, home on Sunday (June 16, 2013) while residing at the LaPlata Nursing Home in LaPlata, Missouri.

The son of Johnnie F. and Mary C. (Snyder) Williams, he was born August 28, 1929 in Green Castle, Missouri. On May 21, 1948 in Kirksville, Missouri, Johnnie was united in marriage to Norma Mullanix who preceded him in death on June 4, 2013 after sixty-five years of marriage.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Debra Elaine Knott.

Johnnie is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Vickie and David Combs of Greentop, MO; one granddaughter, Leann Haynes and husband, Reo of Greentop, MO; one great-grandson, Malcom Reo Haynes; his son-in-law, Rick Knott of Howard City, MI, as well a several nieces and nephews.

Johnnie received his education in the Adair County rural schools. He served in the United States Army eleven months in Salberga, Austria. After being honorably discharged in January of 1956, Johnnie returned home and began farming in rural Green Castle. He was also employed as a mechanic a total of forty-seven years for Florsheim Shoe Company until retiring in 1994.

Johnnie was a great mechanic and was happiest when working on old cars, driving his tractor doing farm work, or showing his cars in car shows, winning several trophies. He also enjoyed stock car races and was the biggest kid of all at Christmas.

He will be remembered for helping his family out when they needed him, sometimes never having to ask. Johnnie always said “I Love You” (you know that), and hated to see his girls cry.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday (June 19, 2013) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday (June 20, 2013) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Earl Baker officiating. Music selections “Old Rugged Cross” and “Each Step I Take” will be provided by Twila Jones, who will be accompanied by Dianthe Cable, organist. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Highland Park Cemetery in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Randy Lumsden, Wayne Johnson, Dennis Snyder, Lonnie Bryn, Brad Williams and Gary Williams. Honorary bearers will be Leann, Reo and Malcom Haynes.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Johnnie Williams Jr. may be made to the LaPlata Nursing Home. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.