James Melford Williams, 84, of Covington, died Jan. 14. The son of the late Melford G. and Annie Moss Williams, he was a lifelong resident of Porterdale and Covington. Mr. Williams was a member of Julia A. Porter United Methodist Church and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater where he was awarded the Asiatic-pacific Company ribbon with Bronze Star and Philippine Liberation Ribbon. He worked at Tri-city Cleaners for a number of years and at Lithonia Lighting for 22 years at the time of his retirement. Mr. Williams loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing, and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.

Surviving are wife Dorothy Moon Williams of Covington daughter; Judy Clay of Loganville; son Robert Clay of Covington; grandchildren Martin Clay Davis, Tiffany Leigh Hinton, Samuel Richard Darby, Robert Clay Jr.; great-grandchildren Hannah Hinton, Hillary Hinton, Robbie Clay; sister-in-law Runelle Williams of Covington; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 16, in the Floyd Street chapel of Caldwell & Cowan with the Rev. Richard Gravitt, the Rev. Dean Leonard and the Rev. Danny Sorrells officiating. Interment will follow in Lawnwood Memorial Park.