John “Preston” Williams, Sr.

John “Preston” Williams, Sr., 60, a lifelong resident of the Madison area, died Saturday, January 7, 2017 on his farm near Madison; he loved working and cutting trees on his farm and succumbed to injuries from a tree cutting accident. He was born November 26, 1956 in Moberly, MO to John B., Jr. and Alvira Catherine (Strothoff) Williams.

Preston worked in Sales at the Moberly Lowes store. He married Tammy S. Utterback on April 27, 1979 in Paris, MO and she survives of the home. Also surviving is his son, John Preston Williams, Jr. and his wife Jullia of Madison, two half- sisters, Jeanne Wood and Connie Ayer both of Madison, Parents-in-law, Bill and Charlotte Utterback of Paris, MO, a sister-in-law, Toni Avery and husband Gene of Callao, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a half-brother, Jerry Hoffman and two half-sisters, Mary Ann Brown and Sandy McGrury.

Preston was a Master Blacksmith with the Missouri Folk Arts Program, a member of the Blacksmith Association of Missouri, Oak Grove Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge.

Preston enjoyed spending time in his blacksmith shop forging and entertaining friends, going to auctions and making buggies and carriages with his father. He will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit.

Memorial contributions to the Blacksmith Association of Missouri for the Preston Williams Memorial Scholarship would be appreciated.

Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family at online at www.caterfuneralhomeinc.com or at the public visitation which will be Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cater Funeral Home. Services honoring and celebrating Preston’s life will be Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel. Committal prayers and burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery.