Burnell Williams Jr.

January 16, 1962 ~ July 22, 2026 (age 64)

Burnell Jr., 64, passed away peacefully at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka on July 22, 2026. He was born on January 16, 1962, in South Bend, Indiana, the son of Eugene and Betty Williams. Burnell graduated from Washington High School, Class of 1980. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6), he served as both a Field Radio Operator and an Engineer Equipment Operator, with duty stations including Camp Pendleton, California, alongside overseas deployments.

Throughout his distinguished service, Staff Sergeant Williams earned numerous honors, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (with star), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and multiple Meritorious Masts. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, leadership, and faithful service to the Corps and his country. After his military service, Burnell went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Bethel College and an Associate's Degree from Ivy Tech, where he later worked as a computer technician.

Burnell was preceded in death by his siblings Kem Williams, Debbie Murphy, Albert Murphy, and Terry Murphy; his biological parents, Burnell Williams Sr. and Delores Murphy; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Surviving relatives include his parents, Eugene and Betty Williams; children, Joshua Williams, Burnell Williams III, Georgia (Wells) Williams, Caleb Williams; siblings, Anthony Holloway, Eugene Williams III, Samantha Finch, and Gena Murphy; grandchildren, Ailey Williams, Bowen Williams, Joel Wells, and Miracle Taylor-Williams; as well as many loving bonus sons and daughters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held on Friday, July 31st, at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1232 East Bronson Street, South Bend, IN 46615. A viewing will begin at 10:00 AM, followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Following the service, the funeral procession will depart for the burial destination at the Veterans Garden within Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens (10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, IN 46561). A military honors ceremony, featuring the traditional Three-Volley Salute (21-gun salute), will take place on-site at Chapel Hill. Arrangements have been entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where condolences may be shared.

Source: Legacy.com

08/06/2026 EJS

https://www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Burnell-WilliamsJr