James Eugene "Bud" Williams, 82, of Montgomery City, MO, died on Friday, August 7, 2020, at the SSM St. Mary's Audrain Hospital in Mexico, MO.

James Eugene "Bud" Williams was born March 30, 1938 in Big Spring, MO (New Florence) at his home. His parents were James Watson Williams and Jewel Rosa-Ellen Frye Williams. He graduated from Mexico High School in 1956 and went to work at the FBI in Washington DC in the records division.  After Jim returned to the area he worked at Wellsville Fire Brick until his retirement. On April 25, 1992, he married Diana Smart in Jonesburg, MO, and have been married for over 28 wonderful years. Jim attended Reach Church in Montgomery City, MO, where he enjoyed working at the food pantry. He loved watching sports, going to Old Threshers, flea markets and was an avid antique collector. Jim also enjoyed hunting, especially deer hunting and fishing with his dear friend, Lou. He enjoyed going to BP and visiting with all his friends, he never met a stranger and would do anything for anyone. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. Williams is survived by his wife, Diana Smart Williams of Montgomery City, MO; his children: Sarah "Sally" Williams of Moscow Mills, MO; Bruce and Kelly Brandenburg of Warrenton, MO; Todd and Riya Williams of Murietta, CA; and Aaron and Jennifer Hawkins of Wright City, MO; grandchildren: John and Sonya Wiggins of Columbia, MO; Ryan and Sarah Brandenburg of Montgomery City, MO; Dylon and Kathrynne Trower of Bowling Green, MO; and Andrew Brandenburg of Warrenton, MO; great-grandchildren: Ashley Jade and Storm Williams of Murietta, CA; Trevor, Preston, and Haleigh Craven of Columbia, MO; Zoe and Gavin Brandenburg of Montgomery City, MO; Daisy and Gatlin Wiggins of Columbia, MO; and Courtnee Trower of Bowling Green, MO.   Also surviving are his sisters and brother: Gwen Wilgus of Hannibal, MO; Virginia and Robert Stith of Mexico, MO; Beverly and Larry Reeves of Ozark, MO; and Phillip and Sherry Williams of Bellflower, MO. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, James Watson Williams and Jewel Rosa-Ellen Frye Williams; son, Eric Williams; two brothers: Boyd and Lloyd Williams; one sister, Patty Williams Tate; brothers-in-law, Robert Wilgus and Vernon Tate; and sister-in-law, Belinda Williams.

A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, August 14, 2020, at 10:00 AM at the Reach Church, 100 Chamber Road, Montgomery City, MO. Pastor Chris Meyer officiated. The family suggested that masks and other personal protective equipment be worn to the service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Reach Church, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO   63361.