John "Jay" Williams, age 87 of Reed City, passed away Saturday, November 13, 2010. He was born December 16, 1922 in Sandusky, Ohio the son of Bernie and Jennie (Anderson) Williams. A lifelong resident of this area, Jay graduated from Barryton High School in 1941. He married Jeri Goodnoe on March 1, 1942. Jay sailed on the Great Lakes for the next three years and then entered the United States Navy; he was honorably discharged after serving during World War II. Following the service Jay returned to Big Rapids where he worked in the bookstore at Ferris State University. Jay and Jerri moved to Reed City where they established, owned and operated the Reed City Dairy Queen for eleven years. They sold the Dairy Queen and Jay went to work for the Reed City State Bank, retiring as the Vice President after 25 years of service. Jay was an active member of the community; he has serviced as President of the Reed City Chamber of Commerce. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Lakeland Shrine Club of the Saladin Temple, serving in their color guard; he was a member of the Royal Order of the Jesters, the el hajj, the Scottish Rite and had been named "Shriner of the Year" . He was also a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #705 of Reed City, AmVets Post # 2965 of Reed City and Eagles aerie #2535 of Big Rapids. Jay was a lifelong Methodist and a faithful member of the Reed City United Methodist Church. Jay is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Geraldine "Jeri" Williams of Reed City; a son Paul (Melissa) Williams of Reed City; 4 grandchildren, Jennifer (Alan Spears) Williams of Cadillac, Christian Williams of Florida, currently serving in the United States Army, stationed in Alaska, John Jay Williams II of Reed City, Michael Williams of Reed City; a brother, Glenn L. (Ottillee) Williams of Greensboro, NC and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Jay was preceded in death by a half sister, Myrna Henson and 2 half brothers, Clarence and Charles Valentine. Funeral services will take place 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 17th at the Reed City United Methodist Church with Pastor David Stanski officiating. The family will also greet friends at the Reed City United Methodist Church on Tuesday, Nov. 16th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Masonic Memorial Service. Interment will be at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Jay's name may be made to either the Liberty Baptist Church or the United Methodist Church both of Reed City. Share a memory or sign the registry book at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.