Bishop Billy Joe Williams was called home to glory on Friday, March 22, 2024. He was born on March 29, 1953, to the late Hurshel Parker and Linnie Mae Williams. He was a native of North Carolina, and a resident of the Peninsula for 34 years.

Billy completed his secondary education in Kannapolis, North Carolina, graduating from A.L. Brown High School. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1971 and served 16.5 years. Towards the end of his career he fell in love with Jesus and felt the call to preach the gospel. He shared the Word with anyone who would listen. He birthed two churches, Christian Soldiers Community Church in Nebraska, which was later renamed as Christian Soldiers Revival Center in Virginia. He also owned two taxicab companies, Harvest Taxicab Company and Victory Taxicab Company, and used them as vehicles to transport people and spread the gospel.

Billy was preceded in death by his sister Mary Merritt and his granddaughter Anajia Hall.

Billy leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 20 years, Mrs. Juliette Williams; children, Alexander Williams of Kannapolis, NC, Felita Williams (Ryan) of Concord, NC, Nicole Villafane (Raphael) of Jacksonville, FL, Frances Cobbs (Derek) of Huntsville, AL, Billy Williams of Kannapolis, NC; Kia Whitehead (Josh) of Atlanta, GA; LaRhonda Walker (Terrance) of Hampton, VA and Natalie Hall of Newport News, VA; brothers Toney Merritt, Tommy Merritt, Thomas Merritt all of North Carolina; sisters Delois Merritt of Virginia, Linda Davenport of North Carolina, Myrtle Fox of New York, and Queenie of North Carolina; 16 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends who he loved deeply.

Viewing will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. A homeging service will be held 12 Noon, Friday, March 29, 2024 at Mercy & Truth Ministries, 9911 Jefferson  Avenue, Newport News,Va. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.