Eugene "Geno" Williams, 103, departed his life on Tuesday December 17th, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. He was born in Henderson, Tennessee, the son of Avery Sr. and Nola (Wilson) Williams. He married Johnnie Mae Work and she preceded him in death.

Geno is survived by his daughter Polly (Reginald) Williams of Jacksonville, and his son, John (Linda) Work of Sacramento, California. He has a host of loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, along with cousins who love him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Avery Williams Jr., James (Jimmy) Williams, stepbrother Terrance Bates; and sisters Mary Williamson, Virginia Ross, Joan McDonald, Coreen Jones, Betty Wiley, and Arnell Simongton.

"Greater love has no one that this to lay down one's life for one's friend." John 3:16. Geno joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and served four years in the South Philippines. He then went to West Kentucky Vocational School where he graduated as a chef. For many years he worked at Our Savior's Hospital and Passavant Hospital where after 35 years of service he retired as head chef.

In His prime Geno enjoyed cooking for others, fishing, hunting, and an occasional trip to Las Vegas. He loved music and was a huge Cubs/Bears fan. He was a member of the Kingsmen Club, and a long-time member of Mount Emory Baptist Church. But he was most proud to be a Lifetime Member of the Amvets Post 100, in Jacksonville. Some might say his second home, with love.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Jacksonville East Cemetery. The family will meet friends 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Amvets Post 100. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.