Leon W. Williams

Leon W. Williams

Funeral Services for Leon Williams will be held Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Newton United Methodist Church, with Bro. Gary Howse officiating. Burial will be at Mississippi Veterans Cemetery in Newton. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Leon Williams, age 91, of Newton passed away Monday, July 22, 2019, at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS.

Leon was born in Long Beach, MS on July 17, 1928, he moved to Garlandville, MS in Jasper County, around the age of 5. He graduated from Newton High School in 1946 and East Central Junior College in 1948. After serving two years in the United States Army, he was honorably discharged in 1952. In 1952, Leon met his wife to be, Glenda Thrash at the White House Cafe', in Newton, MS. After a two-year courtship, they were married on October 24, 1954, that same year he graduated from Mississippi State University. Leon had begun his working career as an assistant county agent for Mississippi State University Extension Service in Bolivar County, MS and then was on the faculty staff at Mississippi State University in teaching and research until 1962. At that time, he went back to school at the University of Mississippi and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy in 1965 and was in the honor society, Ro-Chi.

Leon and Glenda moved to Newton, MS where he bought half interest in McMullan's Drug Store in 1965, and later acquired full ownership and changed the name to Williams Drugs, which they operated together until 1991. He continued to work as a fill-in pharmacist for other area pharmacists, and for the Newton hospital until it closed in 2015.

Mr. Williams was a member of the National Association of Retail Druggists, Mississippi Pharmacist Association Insurance Commission, District 6 Pharmacists Association Board, Professional Affairs Commission and a Preceptor for the University of Mississippi pharmacy staff for 19 years. He was recognized as the Preceptor of the Year in 1987 for the contribution to the education and experience of future pharmacists. He was also awarded the A-H Robbins Bowl of Hygiene Award for outstanding community service, recognized as one of the most prestigious awards in pharmacy. Leon has served as a member and past president of the Newton Chamber of Commerce, the Newton High School Athletic Booster Club, Newton Elementary PTA, chairman of the United Givers Fund and a director of the Newton County Recreation Association.

Mr. Williams was a loyal and active member of the Newton United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He enjoyed quail hunting, managing his farm in Jasper County and was an avid Mississippi State Sports fan. He was the best husband and father who ever lived.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years Glenda T. Williams; their two sons, Tommy Williams (Tamara) and Jon Williams (Susan).

He was preceded in death by his parents Loda and Allen Rew "Pete" Williams and his brother, Robert Allan Williams.

Pallbearers will be members of his church family at Newton United Methodist Church.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 25, 2019, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Newton United Methodist Church in Newton.