John Paul Williams was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma April 12, 1940, at St. John Hospital and died on November 30, 2020, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa from the Covid-19 virus. However, he did suffer from numerous ailments. John was preceded in death by loving parents Nelle and Paul Williams; a sister named Ylene who passed before John's birth. John is survived by his brother, Don Williams, and sister-in-law, Sherry Williams, nephew Jeff Williams, and niece Jeanette Brown.

He was a graduate of Will Rogers High School and received a BS in education from Northeastern State University (NSU). In high school he played trombone in the marching, concert, and jazz bands. John Paul earned enough money by throwing papers to put himself through college. At NSU he sang in the Choir. He taught mathematics in elementary school for 25 years and made many close and dear friends with those he worked

John was a life-long member of University Methodist Church, where he sang many choir solos, using his deep bass voice. In high school he was president of his Methodist Youth Fellowship group. Since 1950 John enjoyed listening to professional, traditional Southern gospel music. He also loved studying the finer points of English grammar and usage.

John Paul was my "buddy" from childhood and we spent a lot of time enjoying the things in our lives, having great competitions in badminton, cards, games of any kind, as well as wrestling around with each other. Our parents took us to church and Sunday school every week, a key part of our upbringing. Most of our close friends also went to church with us - we both noticed that our best friends in life were those with whom we worshiped.

We will miss John Paul so much, but we are thrilled his sufferings have ended. And he is singing today with many of his favorite quartet stars who meant so much to him. Jesus was always in his mind and on his lips; now that is a great legacy.

Viewing, 12-8pm, Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E 91st St, Tulsa, OK 74137 and there will be a private family funeral service at a later date.