Mr. John Harley Williams, 93, of Hickory, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Frye Regional Medical Center, following a period of declining health.

John was born on July 21, 1932 in Gaston County to the late George Iverson Williams and Bertha Ann Mitchem Williams. He was a proud graduate of Lenoir Rhyne College, a longtime member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S Navy, serving during the Korean War. John previously was employed a draftsman for Southern Desk for many years before becoming an in-house salesman for Klingspor Abrasives up until his retirement. He drafted and designed building additions to the church, including the upper side classroom and offices, the fellowship hall, and redesigned the choir loft.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eva Williams, a sister, Ethel Willis, and one brother, Bill Williams.

Surviving is one son, Scot Eric Williams, and one daughter, Gina Williams Gladstone and husband James. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Phillip Gladstone and wife Sarah, Nathan Gladstone, Hayley Gladstone Harris and husband Ethan, and three great-grandchildren, Aiden, Aubrey and Azalea.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Doug Price officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 3:00 until 4:00 P.M. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Williams family.