Rev. James Upshir Williams

Rev. James Upshir Williams, 92, formerly of Troy, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Autumn Care and Rehabilitation of Biscoe, NC. James was born July 14, 1924, and the last surviving of seven children born to the late George Miles Williams and Minnie Halton Williams. He graduated from Troy High School in 1942 and Wingate College in 1967. He held pastorates in several area churches, the longest being twenty-four years as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Mt. Gilead, NC. He also served several years at Unity Grove Baptist Church, Carthage, NC and Laurel Hill Baptist Church, Troy, NC and supported other churches as interim pastor. He served his country in the US Army during World War II in Company A, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, 1st Army. He was wounded in the Normandy Battle, The Battle of the Bulge, and the Germany Black Forest Battle. He received three purple hearts, the bronze star for valor in combat, The Combat Infantry Badge and the other medals given to soldiers who served their country in war combat. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Colleen Hannah Williams, brothers: Eldon Williams and William R. (Willie) Williams; sisters: Mattie Morris, Bertha Morris, Ruth Gibson, and Ella Mae Cody; two nephews: Don Morris and Rupert Williams. He is survived by nieces and nephews, also a sister-in-law, Aldena Hamilton. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm March 5, 2017 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Biscoe, NC with Pastors Rev. Grady Blakely, Rev. Stephen Jarman, and nephew, Rev. Kenneth Gibson officiating. Burial will follow in Southside Cemetery, Troy, NC with military honors provided by the Disabled Veterans #12 of Albemarle. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cornerstone Baptist Church, PO Box 1109, Biscoe, NC 27209. Pugh-Troy Funeral Home is serving the Williams Family. On-line condolences and remembrances may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.