Alexander "Alex" Williams Jr.

Alexander Williams, Jr., of Artie, went to his heavenly home on July 2, 2020, after a long battle with black lung.  Alex was born in Beckley, WV on January 9, 1955, to Alexander (Bobby) Williams, Sr. and Martha (Carol) Williams.  He attended Clear Fork High School, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Melody.  They wed on July 2, 1973, and their love spanned 47 years of marriage, with a vow renewal in 2018.

Alex was a coal miner for 30 years, a job he not only loved but excelled at.  During his career, he worked as a continuous miner operator, section foreman, roof bolt operator, fire boss, and superintendent.  He worked for Consolidation Coal, Elk Run Coal, Bethlehem Steel, Itmann Mining, Bonnie Mining, Kess Coal, Cline Resources, and several other mining operations.  He held certifications as a mine foreman, shot firer, dust sampler, and held a noise certification for underground and surface mining.  His crew was the first-ever recipient of the Top Crew award at Elk Run Coal and set a production record, he received the distinguished Mountaineer Guardian Award, was the Dakota Mining Employee of the Year in 2000 and received several safety and perfect attendance awards. He was also a Certified National Registered EMT.  Everyone who worked with him said he was one of the finest miners they ever worked with.  He was dedicated, hardworking, and gave much of his life to the mines.  

A man of Christian faith, Alex enjoyed dirt racing, 4-wheeling, and collecting coins and knives.  He also enjoyed playing softball in the Sycamore Free Pentecostal Softball League.  But his biggest love was spending time with his family.  He was the ultimate family man, going above and beyond his entire life to provide support and most of all, love, to his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and all of his extended family.  His life though truly became complete when he became a grandfather.  His three grandchildren were his pride and joy.  They made his smile and his heart grow even larger and he was the perfect grandfather in every way.  Pawpaw was the greatest title he ever received and he loved every second of his time with his "big boy", his "sunshine" and his "buttercup."

Alex spent most of his adult life living in Artie, WV, where he was well respected amongst the community.  He loved people, especially children, and would do anything to help anyone.  He always provided a warm smile, a hearty laugh, and often a joke or two to everyone he encountered.  He was the epitome of what a man, son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend should be.

Alex was preceded in death by his father, Alexander (Bobby) Williams, Sr.; sister, Shirley Perry; father-in-law, Lester Griffith; mother-in-law, Betty Griffith; brother-in-law, Eddie Scarbro, and son-in-law, Carlos Burnside.  Left to share his memories are his loving wife, Melody Williams of Artie; daughters Michelle Lloyd (Johnnie) of Beckley, Amanda Williams of Beckley, and Tamara Rahal (Jonathan) of Beaver; his most precious loves, his grandchildren, Sohan Jha, Carli Rahal, and Alexis Sears.  Also left to cherish him are his mother, Martha (Carol) Williams of Ameagle; his siblings, Dale Williams (Ginger) of Rocky Mount, VA, Gary Williams (Ina) of Artie, WV, Sandra Scarbro of Ameagle, WV, David Williams (Felicia) of Artie, WV and Randall Williams (Andrea) of Fayetteville, WV; and a special double nephew who he loved like a son, Alan Williams (Stephanie) of Beckley, WV.  Several nieces, nephews, and extended family who he loved dearly are also left to remember him.

Alex will be very missed by many.  His death has left a void in the family that will never be filled and our hearts will forever be broken but we are left knowing he lived an abundant and amazing life, that he loved his family and friends passionately and that he worshipped his lord and savior and knew that he would be rejoicing in his kingdom.  

The family would like to thank the multitude of people who prayed for him during his illness and who took time to visit and message him as well as Hospice of Southern West Virginia for the care and support they provided.  

Honoring his request, Alex will be cremated.  His life will be celebrated at a memorial service that will be held at a later date.  Information regarding the memorial will be distributed to all once plans are in place and everyone who loved him will be welcome to attend.

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