Life of Lowndes County Sheriff “Big John” Williams remembered

Family and friends of the late Lowndes County Sheriff “Big John” Williams are remembering his life.

Sheriff Williams was shot and killed on November 23, 2019. He was shot at a gas station in Hayneville as he was trying to break up a crowd that was playing loud music.

Sheriff Williams was 62 when he was killed.  He spent more than 40 years serving the community. He started out as a reserve deputy in 1978 before moving to the Hayneville Police Department. Then he returned to the sheriff’s office and worked his way up to chief deputy before being elected sheriff in 2010.

“Big John” Williams / Source: Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office

Nearly six years after that terrible night when he was killed, he remains loved by those who knew him.

To honor his life, leaders, pastors and elected officials from Montgomery, Hayneville and other nearby communities celebrated his life with worship and praise songs yesterday, sharing how he touched their life.

Watch the video above to hear from Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson and Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham.

William Chase Johnson was charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Sheriff Williams. He was 18 at the time. He was put on trial last year in Macon County, where the case was moved. A mistrial was declared when the jury said it could not reach a verdict.

Court officials say it would be at least a year before he would stand trial again. He remains in custody.