James L. Williams Jr., 84, of Candor, died Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at his home.

James is survived by his wife of 65 years, Geraldine; daughter, Carolyn Futrell and her husband, Nicky, of Candor; son, Bobby Williams and wife, Helen, of Eagle Springs; son, David Williams, of Candor; son, Chris Williams and wife, Sundee, of Raleigh; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.

James was one of 11 children of the late James L. and Estella Williams of Eagle Springs. His surviving siblings are Roy Williams, Viola Monroe, Foster Williams, and Reuben Williams, all of Eagle Springs, Harold Williams of Aberdeen, Winford Williams of Pinehurst, Elizabeth Pusser of West End, Treva Smith of Piedmont, SC, Fred Williams of Dublin, GA. James was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Williams of Eagle Springs.

Born Aug. 23, 1924, James was a lifetime member of Bensalem Presbyterian Church. He served many terms as both deacon and elder, and he was always sharing his voice as a member of Bensalem's Choir. James and his brothers grew up farming in the summers and sawmilling in the winters, eventually forming his own company, J.L.Williams & Sons Lumber Company in Raeford. The brothers cut much of the lumber used in and spent many hours building the current Bensalem Church Sanctuary.

Both James' work and relaxation were heavily tied to the outdoors. He loved to hunt dove and quail and owned many a good bird dog. He also spent a good amount of time fishing at Holden Beach -- especially when the spots were running in the fall. He was a past member of the Candor Lions Club and the Elks Club in Southern Pines. He spent many fun years square dancing with the Yellow Rockers Club of Seven Lakes.

The family will receive friends Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Bensalem Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. Funeral service will be held Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Bensalem Presbyterian Church Gazebo Fund, P.O. Box 157, Eagle Springs, NC 27242 or Community Home Care & Hospice, 120 N Main Street, Troy, NC 27371.

The family is being served by Phillips Funeral Home in Star. Online condolences may be made at www.phillipsfh.com.