Gene A. Williams

Gene Autry Williams, age 86, passed away peacefully in his Dover, Tennessee home on March 30, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Alma, Georgia, he lived a life defined by service, dedication, faith, and deep love for his family.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army, which included two distinguished combat tours in Vietnam, receiving a battlefield commission, rising thru the ranks to Captain, as a Field Artillery Officer. During his service, he was awarded several Bronze Stars, with Valor, as well as two Purple Hearts. He retired honorably from the Army after a distinguished 20-year military career.

Following his retirement from the military, he continued his lifelong dedication to leadership and people as the Human Resource Manager for Inland Container in New Johnsonville, TN where he worked for 20 years until his retirement. Gene was active in the community serving as a volunteer for Stewart Adult Education in computer education.

A man of strong faith, he served as a Deacon at Walnut Grove Church, where he was a respected and valued member of his church family.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Ruby Miller Williams; his sister Juanita; his brother Denny; and his beloved brother-in-law Drew.

Gene is survived by the love of his live, his devoted wife Patsy Phillips Williams, with whom he shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a strong and loving family. He is also survived by his daughter Gina, and her husband Greg Dyekman, a fellow career Army officer, and his cherished grandson William, an attorney in Montana; a special friend of the family Brenda Knight, several nieces and nephews.

In his free time, he found immense joy in fishing woodworking and playing golf - simple pleasures that reflected his steady and thoughtful nature.

Gene will be remembered for his sense of humor and wit, strength, integrity, quiet wisdom, steadfast faith, and unwavering devotion to his family and country. His legacy of service and love will live on in all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at Anglin Funeral Home in Dover on April 6, 2026 at 1:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and continue until the funeral service conducted by Bro. Jonathan Hardison and grandson William Gregory Dyekman. Burial with full military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Indian Mound, TN. 

The family request, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Walnut Grove Baptist Church, 700 Walnut Grove Rd., Dover, TN 37058

Arrangements are entrusted to Anglin Funeral Home of Dover, Tennessee. Online condolences and tributes may be made at www.anglinfuneralhome.com