Danny Clay Williams

Danny Clay Williams, 72, of Cohutta, GA, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at his home on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

Danny was born on October 11, 1949, to Mayford and Frankie Williams, and he grew up in the Dalton and Cohutta communities. Two years after graduating from high school, Danny enlisted in the United States Navy where he dutifully served his country. From 1969 – 1971, he served as a gunner’s mate aboard the USS James C. Owens, a destroyer. Danny’s time in the Navy included a West Pacific Coast tour which took him directly off the coast of Vietnam. Danny was extremely proud to be a veteran and could be seen many days sporting his favorite Vietnam War veteran hat.

After returning from the war, Danny started dating the love of his life, Rachel, and in June of 1973 they wed in Cohutta. For just over 49 years, they lived out the vows that they committed to one another and built a life around the family they created. Danny deeply loved Rachel and their two children and one of his lifelong goals was to ensure that the family spent time together making special memories.

After returning to Cohutta in 1971, Danny spent the majority of his working years in the carpet sample industry until his retirement in 2018. Many former employees, bosses, customers, and friends will remember Dan as a fair, honest, oftentimes blunt, yet kindhearted man who cared deeply for those around him.

Danny loved vacations, spending time with friends and family, golfing, singing old hymns and Motown hits, reading the newspaper with a good cup of coffee, and all Tennessee sports (the latter causing years of heartache and frustration). However, none of these things compared to his love of being Granddad. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren, and he enjoyed singing to them, playing with them, teasing with them, and telling them all kinds of stories. As he often said, “He always liked to see the grandkids come but he sure loved to watch them leave,” because in his mind he was sending them home way better than they had arrived.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Mayford and Frankie Williams of Cohutta, GA, and by his in-laws, Oswell and Rema Sexton of Madisonville, TN.

He is survived by his adoring and devoted wife, Rachel Sexton Williams, of the residence; his son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Cristinia Williams of Cohutta, GA; his daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Barry Ownby of Cohutta, GA; eight, soon to be nine, grandchildren; his brother, Wayne Joyce of Cohutta, GA; his sister, Jane Williams of Cohutta, GA; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Curtis and Carol Sexton of Lake City, TN; Kay Tallent of Vonore, TN; Ray and Courtney Sexton of Memphis, TN; Dwight and Jane Sexton of Knoxville, TN; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.

Receiving of friends will be held Friday July the 8 ^th from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Love Funeral Home.  A memorial service will be held at Salem Baptist Church on Saturday July 9 ^th at 1:00 pm, with Rev.  Darey Kittle officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salem Baptist Church’s benevolent fund. Salem Baptist Church, 1448 Pleasant Drive, Dalton, GA 30720.