Rev. Jimmy Williams

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Rev. Jimmy Williams of Memphis, Tennessee, formerly of Hartsville, South Carolina.

Rev. Williams passed on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Serenity Funeral Home located at 1638 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, Tennessee.

Visitation will also be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Breath of Life Christian Center located at 3795 Frayser-Raleigh Road, Memphis, Tennessee.

The service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Breath of Life Christian Center.

Services are entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Memphis, Tennessee.

Rev. Jimmy D. Williams Remembered as Visionary Entrepreneur, Pastor, Publisher, and Community Leader

Memphis Business and Faith Leader Leaves Lasting Legacy of Service, Media, and Youth Advocacy

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Rev. Jimmy D. Williams, a respected entrepreneur, pastor, publisher, and longtime community advocate whose work impacted generations throughout Memphis and the Mid-South, transitioned from this life on May 5, 2026, following health complications. He was 79.

Known for his leadership in business, ministry, media, and community empowerment, Rev. Williams built a legacy defined by faith, perseverance, entrepreneurship, and service to others.

Born on February 9, 1947, in Hartsville, South Carolina, to the late Robert and Olive Williams, Rev. Williams was raised alongside his nine siblings in a close-knit family grounded in faith, hard work, unity, and resilience.

Growing up in Hartsville, he developed an early determination and independent spirit that would later shape his life’s work and entrepreneurial success. He attended Butler High School before remaining in South Carolina for a period of time to gain work experience and develop the discipline that would become a hallmark of his career.

In 1978, Rev. Williams relocated with his family to Memphis, Tennessee, in pursuit of greater opportunity and a broader vision for the future. Memphis would ultimately become the city where he established deep roots, built successful businesses, strengthened community relationships, and left a lasting imprint on countless lives.

Founder of Memphis Silver Star News

Rev. Williams became widely known throughout the Mid-South as the founder of the Memphis Silver Star News, a metropolitan newspaper established in 1986 that served the region for nearly four decades.

Under his leadership, the publication became a trusted community voice that:

• Highlighted local stories and achievements

• Promoted businesses and economic growth

• Elevated positive developments within the community

• Strengthened awareness and communication throughout the Memphis metropolitan area

Friends and colleagues describe Rev. Williams as a visionary publisher who believed media should not only inform, but also inspire and uplift communities.

The Memphis Silver Star News became an important platform for recognizing community leaders, entrepreneurs, churches, youth initiatives, and organizations making meaningful contributions throughout Memphis and the Mid-South.

Entrepreneurship and Community Connection

Rev. Williams further expanded his entrepreneurial efforts by establishing the Memphis Candle Light Ballroom, a venue that became known as a center for elegance, fellowship, celebration, and community engagement.

The ballroom hosted:

• Formal events and social gatherings

• Community celebrations

• Networking opportunities

• Cultural and relationship-building experiences

Many throughout Memphis remember the venue as a place where relationships were strengthened, milestones celebrated, and community bonds deepened.

Those who knew Rev. Williams often noted his unique ability to bring people together while simultaneously creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed.

Commitment to Youth and Education

Throughout his life, Rev. Williams remained deeply committed to supporting youth, education, and community advancement.

He was recognized as a champion for young people through his efforts in:

• Providing scholarships for students pursuing higher education

• Hosting and sponsoring youth-centered events

• Supporting schools and educational initiatives

• Encouraging leadership, excellence, and personal growth among young people

One of his most notable community initiatives was the Achievers Award Banquet, hosted through the Memphis Silver Star News for approximately 20 years.

The prestigious event honored outstanding individuals throughout the community while attracting major corporate sponsorships and nationally recognized celebrities. The banquet became known as a celebration of excellence across business, ministry, education, entertainment, and civic leadership.

Community leaders say Rev. Williams understood the importance of celebrating achievement and using recognition to inspire future generations.

Faith and Ministry

At the center of Rev. Williams’ life was his unwavering Christian faith.

He accepted Christ at an early age and carried that commitment throughout his life. Later, he answered the call to ministry and became an ordained minister.

Rev. Williams attended the William Herbert Brewster Theological School in Memphis, where he strengthened his spiritual and theological foundation.

He later served as pastor of New Antioch Missionary in Memphis, Tennessee, where he preached the Gospel, provided spiritual guidance, and faithfully served his congregation.

Friends, family members, and church leaders describe him as a man whose faith was evident not only in words, but also through generosity, compassion, leadership, and daily service to others.

Family and Personal Legacy

Beyond his public accomplishments, Rev. Williams was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and patriarch who deeply valued family, fellowship, and togetherness.

He was united in marriage to Doris Pate Williams in 1966, and their union lasted 38 years. Doris and eight of his siblings preceded him in death. Later in life, he was married to Diane Rice Williams.

Affectionately known as “Papa” by loved ones, Rev. Williams especially enjoyed family gatherings, holidays, birthdays, dinners, fishing, baseball, and traveling.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

• His sons, Trennie Williams (Kiwayna), Christopher Spann (Shannette), and Justin Williams

• His daughters, Demetrius Marks (Curtis) and Kimberly Love

• His brother, Marion Latroy Williams (Nell)

• A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends

A Lasting Legacy

Rev. Jimmy D. Williams leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond business success or public recognition.

His life reflected the power of:

• Faith-driven leadership

• Entrepreneurship

• Community upliftment

• Generosity

• Family devotion

• Perseverance and vision

From South Carolina to Memphis, Rev. Williams built opportunities, inspired countless individuals, and helped strengthen the communities he served.

As tributes continue to pour in throughout Memphis and beyond, many describe him as a man who did more than build businesses—he built hope, opportunity, and lasting impact.

Rev. Jimmy D. Williams’ influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…” — Matthew 25:23