Jerold Fran "Jerry" Williams passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2024, while holding the hand of his beloved wife, Jewell Marie. Jerry had been under the care of Hospice at home in the recent past and felt well enough to enjoy a game of Dirty Santa with family on Christmas Day.

Jerry was born on February 16, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Thomas Sterling Williams and Nell Davis Williams, both from Morton's Gap, Kentucky, where Jerry spent most of his childhood.  He graduated from South Hopkins High School.

Jerry and the former Jewell Marie Pendley from White Plains, Kentucky, were married on March 9, 1959, in Shawneetown, Illinois, and were married for 65 years, primarily making their home and raising their children in Henderson.

Jerry was a proud member of Ironworkers Local 103 for over 50 years.  In previous years, Jerry very much enjoyed golf.  He was a member of River City Clowns, chose the name "Bojangles" for his hobo style clown persona and enjoyed entertaining children.  As a couple, Jerry and Jewell Marie square danced for years.

Jerry was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church where the couple received the Sophia Award from the Diocese of Owensboro in 2012.  In previous years he enjoyed volunteering serving meals at the Salvation Army and volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Jerry was kind and compassionate to all animals and doted on his cat "Piper", who he frequently tasked family members to search for in the house to be sure of her location and comfort.

He liked coconut pie and trips to the Country Cupboard Buffet in Madisonville where priority was to sit close to the front so he could look for people he knew for reminiscing and conversation.

On a previously handwritten list of his personal priorities, Jerry listed God and family first and foremost.  Regarding his children and grandchildren, Jerry's main wish for them was to be happy.

His passing is a great loss to everyone who loved him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Tommie and Nell Williams and a brother, Ray Williams.

Besides being survived by his wife Jewell Marie, Jerry is survived by daughter Monica Williams Floyd, son Trent Williams (Sandy), and youngest daughter Jennifer Williams, all of Henderson.  He also is survived by grandchildren Danelle Williams Powell (Josh), Adam LaRue, and Paige Williams Powell (Drew), as well as 6 great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  Father Christopher Grief will officiate.  Inurnment will be in St. Louis Cemetery Columbarium.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy are requested to St. Anthony's Hospice or any animal shelter of choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.