Herbert Lee Williams, Jr.

   Herbert Lee Williams, Jr., 102, died in joyful peace on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at his family homeplace, 231 Ridge Road, Belvidere, NC, where he was born and resided all of his life.

   Mr. Williams was born on August 10, 1921, and was the son of the late Herbert Lee Williams, Sr. and the late Mary Etta Tuttle Williams. In 2018, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Jessie Winslow Williams.   The youngest and last survivor of nine siblings, he was also preceded in death by his four sisters: Sobelia Winslow, Mattie Lou Winslow, Antionette Sutton, and Iona Baker; and his four brothers:  Clyde Williams, Henry Williams, Howard Williams, and Carroll Williams; also, a granddaughter: Staci Crain; and several nieces and nephews.   

   He loved his Lord and was a faithful, lifelong member of Up River Friends Meeting where he served many ministries over the years including church elder, adult and young adult Sunday school teacher, and choir member.

   He cherished his year of studies at Louisburg College before being called back to the family farm when his dad became ill and later passed away. He continued his life’s work of farming for the next 75 years, officially retiring at 95 years of age. Like the rich soil he farmed, he leaves a rich legacy. He was a humble man who led by example in his faith, strong work ethic, unbounded generosity, wit and wisdom.  He never met a stranger.                  

   Mr. Williams is survived by two daughters:  Phyllis Watts (Kenny) of Raleigh and Darlene Benton of Greenville, SC; two sons: David Williams (Annette) and Kelvin Williams of Belvidere;  seven grandchildren: Thomas Crain (Angela) of Willow Spring and Amanda Thompson of Wake Forest; Melanie Hebert (Leo Charette) of Augusta, GA and Trevor Benton (Ashley) of Greenville, SC; Lynette Sawyer (Kevin), Ashley Williams (Katie), and Tina Williams, all of Belvidere; seventeen great-grandchildren: Joseph, Wilson, and Griffin Crain of Willow Spring; Chase, Spencer, Blake, and Grant Thompson of Wake Forest; Ricky Hebert, Zach Hebert (Taylor), Alicia Pinchen (Phillip) of Augusta, GA and Paul Charette of Atlanta, GA; Jackson and Molly Benton of Greenville, SC; Jacob Sawyer of Rock Hill, SC and Leah Sawyer of Belvidere;  Nathan and Luke Williams of Belvidere; three great-great-grandchildren: Loey Hebert, Adelyn and Ansley Pinchen of Augusta, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

   A memorial service will be held Friday, December 29, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Up River Friends Meeting, 523 Up River Road, Belvidere. Friends may greet the family in the meeting house fellowship hall immediately following the service and all other times at the home. Mr. and Mrs. Williams will be inurned together in Up River Cemetery. 

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to Up River Friends Meeting or a charity of one's choice. 

   Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral & Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.