Joel "Joe Boy" Williams

Mr. Joel "Joe Boy" Williams, 81, of Gulfport, MS, passed away February 8, 2009, in Gulfport. Mr. Williams was born in Biloxi and remained a lifelong resident of the Coast. He was formerly employed with Baricev's Restaurant in Biloxi and ran the concession stand on Ship Island at one time. Before he retired he was employed at the Grand Casino in Gulfport. The amazing thing about his employment and lifestyle is that he was legally blind and self sufficient. He assisted in the boat lift of Cubans to Miami in 1983. He was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Gulfport. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Evelyn Gollotte Williams; sisters, Augusta Hebert and Ruth Young; and brothers, Hubert "Bill" Williams, Fred "Blue" Williams and Edwin Williams. He is survived by his wife, Iris Lynn Williams; sister, Alice Hancock of Louisiana; brothers, Clarence Williams of Illinois and Eldon Williams of Florida; his special niece, Glenda Dartez of Biloxi; nine other nieces and six nepews; and three sisters-in-law, Ona Page Williams and Evelyn Fryou both of Ocean Springs, and Doris Cannan Williams of New York. Mr. Williams requested that his body be donated to science. A Memorial service will be held at later date.