Bobby Jack "Butch" Williams

Mr. Bobby Jack "Butch" Williams, 76 of Dixie passed away Sunday, November 8, 2020 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Mr. Williams was born in Dallas, Texas, November 19, 1943 to loving Christian parents, R B Williams and Jessie Faye Samford Williams, and two older sisters. He began his musical career at the age of 13 singing with his Mother and Dad in churches, and all day singing conventions. In 1962, at the age of 19, he joined the Stamps Quartet as pianist. He also took part in the Stamps Singing Schools throughout Texas, and taught private piano. During his piano studies growing up, he was often quoted as saying "I want to play piano like Hovie Lister" of the famous Statesmen Quartet.

After his time with the Stamps, he was instrumental in forming The Texan Quartet out of Austin, Texas. In 1970, he joined Bob Wills and the Inspirationals of Fort Worth, Texas, working major concerts across the United States and Canada. During this time, he met J. G. Whitfield of Pensacola, Florida, reknown promoter of gospel music. Mr. Williams became Mr. Whitfield's right hand person promoting professional concerts over the next few years, working with all of the major quartets and singing groups. 

During this time, he also started his own group, The Butch Williams Singers, based out of Pensacola. In the early 70's he met and married Pat Diamond of Madison, Florida, herself a gospel music pianist and singer. Their first performance together was in Nashville, Tennessee at the Ryman Auditorium on the Gospel Grand Ole Opry. In the early 80's, he formed a group with Wayne and Mike Diamond, "The Diamonds," which has continued to the present time. Mr. Williams has promoted hundreds of gospel music concerts, as well as country, and bluegrass music. Throughout his lifetime he booked and supported countless singers and musicians in their own careers. It was truly one of his greatest joys. He loved to see his music friends and hear a "good old gospel song."

In this latest year, he had begun a new endeavor, a produce business at his house in Dixie, GA. He named it R B Produce in honor of his Dad, R B Williams, who when Butch was a boy, ran his produce business in Dallas & east Texas towns.

Mr. Williams also had a special love for fishing, and loved to frequent the small local ponds. However, his greatest accomplishment was his love and relationship with his God and his Lord, Jesus Christ.  

Survivors include his wife, Pat Williams of Dixie; nephews and nieces, Marcus & Deborah Brown of Tyler, TX, Mike & Chris Brown of Quitman, TX, Rick & Cindy Brown of Seagoville TX, Ralph & Barbara Waite of Arlington, TX, and Brenda Waite of Arlington, TX; sister, Doris Waite Mixson of Arlington, TX; brother in laws, John P. Diamond of Prattville, AL, Wayne & Janet Diamond of Madison, Fl, Clyde & Pat Diamond of Leesburg, Fl, Ray & Kelly Diamond of Valdosta GA, and Mike & Cynthia Diamond of Cairo GA; sister in law, Linda & Chris Carter of Conroe, TX. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Williams Brown, and his nephew, Jerry Waite.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:00 pm at Maxwell-Purvis Funeral Home with Rev. Klay Luke officiating. Interment will be held at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Madison Fl. with Janet Diamond officiating. The family will be receiving friends Friday evening from 5-7 pm at Maxwell-Purvis Funeral Home, Quitman, GA. Flowers will be graciously accepted or contributions can be made to Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child, c/o Janet Diamond, 1225 N E. Rocky Ford Rd., Madison, Fl  32340. Please observe social distancing and a mask may be worn at your own discretion.

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