Leslie Wayne Williams, 71

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Leslie Wayne Williams, 71 of Middleburg, Florida went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 11, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family. Leslie was born in Bremerhaven, Germany and was adopted by Wallace and Betty Jean Williams. He graduated from Englewood High School in 1971. While attending the University of North Florida Leslie began his ministry at Mandarin Baptist Church as Youth Director and also became the Associational Youth Director for the Jacksonville Baptist Associations. After his graduation from UNF in 1976, Leslie enrolled at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. While there, he served Retta Baptist Church in Burleson, Texas. Upon graduation from seminary in 1978, Leslie accepted a position at Scenic Heights Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. He served several other ministries throughout his career. He returned to Mandarin Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. He worked with the Christian singing group, Truth. He also served the Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, as interim Youth Director. He was the Minister of Youth and Education at Highland Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi. He served as the Business Administration and Education Director at Moffatt Road Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. Leslie was the Business Administration for Wayside Baptist Church in Miami, Florida. His final position was a First Baptist Church of Middleburg, Middleburg, Florida as Minister of Administration.

Leslie loved ministry and serving. He and his wife Edith, enjoyed traveling together with the Senior adults group. Together they had traveled to numerous places, including Jerusalem, Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe, just to name a few. Leslie loved holding the babies at church and working with the children. He had a passion for American History, specifically the Civil War and enjoyed learning more about our country’s history. Most of all he loved his family and spending time with them.  He loved his family, he loved his people, his church and he loved the Lord with all his heart, mind and soul.

Leslie was preceded in death by his parents Wallace M. Williams and Betty Jean Hoodless Williams. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Edith Williams; son, David Wayne Williams (Jennifer); sister, Marjory Hazouri (James); grandchildren, Cassie Scanting (Keena) and Marissa Alexander (Zac); and great-grandchildren, Keirra Scantling, Kylah Scantling, Kole Scantling, and Riley Alexander.

Funeral services will be at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Middleburg, with graveside services to follow at Jacksonville Memory Gardens. (111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32073) A time of visitation with the family will begin at 10 AM, before services.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home, and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720