Merle Lee Williams

Merle Williams, 78, of Green Cove Springs passed away unexpectedly on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 at Orange Park Medical Center. He was born in Joplin, Missouri on March 2, 1939 to the late Archie and Gladys (Cape) Williams and had been a resident of Carthage, Missouri prior to moving to Green Cove Springs in 2014. Merle retired from Consumers Grocery and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin. He was a beloved husband, loving father, and a faithful Christian family man. Merle never met a stranger, and was always ready and willing to help anyone. He enjoyed planting flowers in the garden for his beloved wife Mary Lou, and loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He also loved spending time taking care of animals, especially his dog Teddy. Merle was preceded in death by his son, Donald L. Williams. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou Williams of Green Cove Springs; children, Connie Carpenter of Seneca, Missouri, Robin Clemons of Middleburg, and Merle Williams, Jr. of Green Cove Springs; brother, Donald Williams of Carl Junction, Missouri; cousin, Everette Williams of Independence, Kansas; seven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild, along with numerous other family members and friends. He was loved very much and will be greatly missed by all. The family will receive friends locally at Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home on Thursday, April 20, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services for Merle will be held at Parker Mortuary, 1502 S. Joplin Avenue, Joplin, Missouri 64804 with interment at Jessee Osborne Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of HELM-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 1811 Idlewild Ave. Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. 904-284-9696. www.helmgallagherfh.com Visitation Thursday, April 20, 2017 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Helm - Gallagher Funeral Home - Green Cove Springs 1811 Idlewild Avenue Green Cove Springs FL 32043 US (904) 284-9696 Funeral Home Helm - Gallagher Funeral Home - Green Cove Springs 1811 Idlewild Avenue Green Cove Springs FL - 32043 US (904) 284-9696