Jimmy Williams

Jimmy Arves Williams ,91, of the Fort Payne, AL formerly of Birmingham, AL went to heaven on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at his home on Lookout Mountain. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 1:00 pm in Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brian Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Fisher Cemetery. Rainsville Funeral Home, Inc. directing. www.rainsvillefuneralhome.com. Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 28th from 12pm-1pm. Born on October 12, 1933 in Cullman County, Alabama. Jimmy was the son of John Thomas Williams and Lorena Ardella (Belcher) Williams, who preceded him in death. Jimmy grew up in Wylam, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham. At the age of 17 he joined the US Navy and served from 1950-1954 as a Hospital Corpsman during the Korean war. While caring for an injured soldier on the front lines, he was severely injured by an enemy grenade, waking up weeks later in the hospital. As a result of his service Jimmy received, Purple Heart, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal. Jimmy joined the Birmingham Police Department in 1962 starting as a traffic cop in the 5 Points West Area, he worked his way up to a Lieutenant before retirement in the late 1980s. While with the Birmingham Police Department, he was in charge of the Dignitary Protection Unit. He guarded President Ford, Reagan, Bush Sr., when they were in Birmingham. Multiple Actors and actresses. Also, Queen Elizabeth while visiting the United States. He earned multiple degrees at Sanford University, Jefferson State Junior College, Pennsylvania State University, United States Department of Justice, FBI National Academy, United State Secret Service, Air National Guard Officer Academy, United States Air Force Academy, US Army Safety Center. Multiple commendations from Different Governors of Alabama. He joined the Alabama National Guard and was awarded the Faithful Service Medal. He served 21 years and retired at the rank of Senior Master Sargent. Jimmy started working at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne and was there for over 20years. Retiring in his 80s due to health reasons. Jimmy lived a life of service to others and was a strong, loving example to his children, grandchildren and all who knew him. Survivors Devoted Wife of 19 Years: Zora Elizabeth Williams of Fort Payne, AL Daughters: Vicki Moore and husband Randy of Alabaster, AL Mittye Bridges and husband Charles of Hueytown, AL Renee Hardie and husband Scott of Fort Payne, AL Sons: Robbie Totherow and wife Shirley of Fort Payne, AL Matthew Williams Trace Williams Brother: J.C. Williams 12 Grandchildren 13 Great Grandchildren 7 Great Great Grandchildren

Jimmy Williams

October 12, 1933 - June 21, 2025