On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Wake Forest Baptist Health, Mr. Joseph Dixon Williams, Jr., 62, passed away after battling with cancer for several years. Joe was being comforted by family members and close friends at the time of his passing.

Joseph D. Williams, Jr. was born on August 2, 1953 in Winston Salem, NC to Mr. Joseph D. Williams, Sr. and Mrs. Fannie Murrell Williams. Joseph Williams, affectionately known as "Joe" or "Joey", graduated from St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School in 1967. He attended R.J Reynolds High School Class of 1971 where he played both varsity football and basketball and was a 1975 graduate of North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC where he received a Bachelor's of Science Degree. He participated in the ROTC program and exhibited a passion for collegiate sporting events.

After graduation Joe moved to Poughkeepsie, NY to work as a Sr. Recreational Therapist for 14 years at Hudson River Psychiatric Center. During which time he met and married D. Lavetta Joyner and together they parented a daughter, Ms. Ashley D. Williams. Mr. Williams fathered his second daughter, Ms. Nycole Smalls before relocating back to Winston Salem, NC.

After returning home he was employed with Leonard Block Construction Co. over a decade until he endured a paralyzing stroke. Joe continued to be a sports enthusiast and followed instinctively in his father's athletic interests throughout his life.

Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by both of his daughters of Poughkeepsie, NY; loving relatives, W. Preston Drake & his four sons and daughter; twins, Linda & Brenda Charles and children; Dick & Barbara Payne, Chris Murrell, and a host of other loving family and close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00pm Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.