Joe M. Williams, Jr., 92, of Rock Island, passed away Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Hope Creek Care Center, East Moline.  Memorial services will be 11:00 am on Monday, July 18 at First Baptist Church, Rock Island.  Visitation will be one hour prior to services at church.  Inurnment will take place in Rock Island National Cemetery.  Memorials may be made in care of First Baptist Church, Rock Island or Hope Creek Care Center.

Joe was born on July 3, 1924 in Chickasha, Okla., a son of Joe M. Sr. and Ama Gann Williams.  He graduated from Rock Island High School in the Class of 1942.  Joe went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army.  He was deployed toward the end of WW2, serving in Japan.  Joe married Joan Y. Washburn on September 1, 1951.  They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in the Fall.  Joe, along with his family, owned and operated Sinclair and Cities Service gas stations in Moline for many years.  He then found employment with the United States Postal Service as a mail sorter.  Joe retired from the post office after 20 years of service.

Joe was a member of First Baptist Church, Rock Island.  He was also an avid chess player and a past President of the Chess Club.  Joe was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan.  He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joan; sons, Gary D. Williams, E. Moline and Terry B. Williams, Moline; a daughter, Diana J. Williams, Rock Island; grandchildren, Wendy (Shawn) Weeks, Sugarland, TX, Teresa (Chuck) Rosenbaum, Sugarland, TX, Jessica Williams, Davenport, Iowa and Amber Williams, Iowa; 7 great grandchildren and  a sister, Jacqueline (Lawrence) Kistner, Moline

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Caroline D. Williams and brothers, Bobby (Alice) and Jerry Williams.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Hope Creek Care Center, E.M., especially floor 4-2 and Brandi and Julie of Hospice Compassus, Moline.  You all cared for Joe with compassion and respect.  We are eternally grateful.