Billy "BJ" Joe Williams

Honoring a Legacy of Service, Leadership & Love

Billy Joe Williams was born on March 17, 1947, to Joe Lee and Lula B. Williams at Charity Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana. Surrounded by the love of family and friends. He transitioned to eternity on September 6, 2026. 

Affectionately known as "BJ", he accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Rev. Clarence L. Pennywell in the “Brickyard Bayou” at Bossier Baptist Church. He was an active member of the Usher Board, Male Chorus, BTU, Sunday School, and Youth Department. In 1969, he united with New Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. J. Shackleford and was ordained as a Deacon on February 28, 1977. In 1988, he united with Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Richardson, Texas, under the tutelage of Rev. Cecil Smith, Sr., where he remained a faithful member until his transition. 

Billy attended Butler Elementary School and graduated from Charlotte A. Mitchell High School in 1965. He continued his education at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, graduating in 1969. Later, he attended North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas, and Abilene Christian College.

On September 19, 1970, he united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Dorothy Lynell Buchanan, of Bryan, Texas. In 1972, the two moved to Garland, Texas, and shortly after, welcomed a beautiful daughter, Chonda Lynelle, on December 7, 1975.

Billy dedicated his life to public service. In 1969, he moved to Dallas and continued his career with the U.S. Civil Service Commission and Social Security Administration. In 1997, he was elected to serve as president of the Garland Branch of the NAACP until 2012. In the same year, he was chosen to serve as a member of the Garland City Council until 2018. Billy saw that there was more work to be done, so he sought re-election in 2020 and served until 2026. 

In 1966, Billy joined the fine brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and remained devoted in his service. He was also a member of the Association of Black Elected Officials and the Wiley College Alumni Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents - Rev. Daniel Wilson Williams, Leanna Williams, Addie Lou Drake, and Mayfield Willis; and sisters, Connie Diane Moore and Charles Marie Williams. His sister, Catherine Wright, passed just days after Billy, on September 11, 2026. 

Billy will be eternally loved and remembered in the hearts and minds of many, including his loving wife of 55 years, Dorothy Williams; his daughter, Chonda Lynelle Williams; his brothers - Elvis Victor Williams, Melvin Moore, Jr. (Cathy), Danny DeWayne Moore (Susan), and Terry Lynn Moore (Cheri); his sisters: Herise Davis (Roger), Princetta June Jackson (Joe), and Palimor Bradley (Eddie); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Billy leaves a legacy of service, leadership, and love - one that is everlasting and will endure forever. 

In lieu of flowers, all are encouraged to give to Wiley University in Billy's honor. Click the link below:

Wiley University

To view Billy's service program, click the link below:

Billy Joe "BJ" Williams Service Program

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