Terry Dwayne Williams

Terry Dwayne Williams, age 65, of Herrin, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026 at St. Mary's Hospital of Richmond Heights, Missouri.

He was born Friday, September 16, 1960, a son of William Gene "Bill" and Patricia Gale (Bush) Williams. He married the love of his life, Jeanette Kay Cole in Herrin on October 15, 1978. She survives at their home in Herrin.

Terry was happy-go-lucky, easy to get along with, and had a big heart. He was a great man with endless patience for children and a gift for making everyone feel welcome. If anyone needed help, Terry was always there - no questions asked. He would help however he could, in any way he could, and that was just who he was.

Riding his motorcycle was Terry's true passion. He loved the freedom of the open road, the wind in his face, and the thrill of the ride. It did not matter if it was a quick trip around town or a long haul with no destination - he was happiest on two wheels. He especially loved riding with his cousin, Billy McClure of Freeman Spur, who was more like a brother. The two of them shared countless miles, stories, and laughs together, and spent hours in the garage working on bikes, cars, and houses side by side. For Terry, a good day was a day spent riding.

When he wasn't on his bike, you could find him outdoors grilling for a crowd or just enjoying the fresh air. He took pride in feeding everyone in the neighborhood and took all the kids in as his own. A terrific grandpa, Terry loved nothing more than time with his grandchildren.

He attended Community Chapel Church.

He is survived by his wife- Jeanette Kay (Cole) Williams; son- David Williams of Johnston City; daughter- Robin Williams of Herrin; six grandchildren- Arianna Williams, Kali Brookmyer, Alyssa Williams, Autumn Williams, Alec Williams, and Braylon Lewis; Kelly Ditzler of Johnston City- mother of grandchildren Arianna, Alyssa, Autumn, and Alec; four great-grandchildren- Jasmine Brookmyer, Carter Holan, Dallas Partridge, Lakelynn Henderson; one great granddaughter on the way- Oaklynn Partridge; one sister- Melody (Duane) Doty of Carterville; two brothers- Tim (Connie) Williams of Ray City, Georgia and Todd (Shannon) Williams of Antioch, Illinois; several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members he cherished including his cousin- Billy McClure of Freeman Spur, who was more like a brother.

He is preceded in death by parents, grandparents, his special aunt- Brenda McClure, who was like a mother to him, and his stepfather-in-law- Rev. Don Colson.

Terry's big heart, patience, and habit of showing up for people live on in his family. He leaves a great legacy of love, loyalty, and feeding everyone who came through the door. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his kindness, his laugh, and the way he took care of everyone.

Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Funeral services will follow at 12:00pm with Todd Williams and Terry Vaughn officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to Terry's funeral care fund at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home to help the family with final expenses. To make an online donation, click on the donation tab on Terry's obituary page. All payments will go directly to the funeral home to help the family in their time of such loss. Donations may also be mailed to Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; P.O. Box 429; Herrin, Illinois 62948.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com <http://www.johnsonhughes.com/> or call 618-942-3102 for more information.


 

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