J. D. Williams, 83, 647 Burgess Rd., Mill Spring, died Saturday, March 27, 2010 in Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, N.C.

Born in Polk County, he was the son of the late Claude Hardy and Oma Gibbs Williams. Sgt. First Class J.D. Williams retired from the U. S. Army in 1968, having served in WW II, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam. He was a member of American Legion Post # 250 in Tryon.

Surviving is his wife Doris Hardin Williams of the home.&bsp; Three daughters, Barbara Williams of Winter Park, Fla., Penny W. McKinney of Maitland, Fla., and Susan Gilbert of Mill Spring, N.C. Four sons, Jerry Williams of St. Petersburg, Fla., Chester E. Williams (Dee) of Umatilla, Fla., William E. Skipper (Pam) of Hendersonville, N.C., and Mark Skipper of Mill Spring.&bsp; Five sisters, Louella Evans (Forrest) of Conover, N.C., Lorean W. Wilson of Mill Spring, Janie W. Haas of Newton, N.C., Marie W. White of Enterprise, Ala., and Nethelee W. Burgess of Newton, N.C. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 10 nieces and 18 nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ben H. Williams.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2010 in Coopers Gap Baptist Church, Mill Spring, with Rev David Turner, Rev. John Godfrey and Rev. Warren Elliott officiating. Full military rites by the Fort Bragg Honor Squad.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #250, 43 Depot Street, Tryon, N.C.&bsp; 28782.

An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.