Former Hawthorne City Commissioner and World War II veteran Rev. Joseph Williams died on Feb. 5, the city announced on Wednesday.

Williams celebrated his 100th birthday in September and called the Hawthorne and Gordon Chapel area home for all of those years. After deploying with the U.S. Navy to the Pacific Theater in World War II, he returned to Hawthorne and worked at Goodyear in Gainesville.

From 1984 until 1998, Williams served as a city commissioner. His daughter, Eleanor “Kit” Randall, followed in his footsteps and served as a commissioner and mayor, and Williams’ granddaughter, Jacquelyn Randall, is the current Hawthorne mayor.

“This gentle and tolerant man will be long remembered for his humanitarianism, genuine humility, determined courage, and the strength of faith that motivated his actions,” the city of Hawthorne declared in a proclamation remembering Williams.

Feeling called by the Lord, Williams entered the ministry in his 50s and pastored at Ebenezer Baptist Church and Gordon Chapel Community Church. Williams preached through his 60s, 70s and 80s. He told people that something sent him into the ministry, and he had a second career behind the pulpit.

Williams built a house just a few blocks from Chester Shell Elementary School, where he attended. In 2024, the city of Hawthorne named SE 214th Street in his honor.

“We too feel the loss and sorrow experienced by his family, sharing in their grief while recognizing that the Lord has welcomed into His presence a good and faithful servant,” the city said in its proclamation.

When nearing the century mark, Williams spoke with Mainstreet about his life in Hawthorne, reflecting on his family, work and faith. He said he was thankful for each day he received. He also remembered all the family he had lost, including two of his three children.

“I had one of the sweetest families the world had ever known,” Williams said. “They never went anywhere and come back and not bring me something. That made me feel good, and I still miss them—all these years.”