John "Johnny" Williams died Sunday, August 4, 2019 at his residence in Rapid City.

John Griffith Williams was born Tuesday, January 9, 1951 in Rapid City, SD to Richard and Bernice [Moore] Williams. John also known as "Johnny" or "Big Fish" or "JW" attended school and grew to adulthood in Rapid City and graduated from Rapid City Central high school in 1969.

In 1966 John and his 2 pool playing buddies, Bruce and Andy, found what came to be a true love and passion for the rest of their lives, playing pool and snooker at the famed, Recreation Inn, AKA "The Hole". This place was run by ex-sheriff, Earl Ginsler, who ran a tight ship. John became very good and played on some of the top teams in the area. He also became very good at setting up tables and performed this as 1 of his many side business ventures. Pool ranks up there with fishing, as his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed hunting. There are far too many names to mention, that became close friends and acquaintances, playing pool over the years.

During his working career Johnny worked for two different contractors in Rapid City as a carpenter and with masonry.

He married Paulette Marie Price on November 9, 1985 in Rapid City.

Johnny is survived by his wife Paulette Williams; one son Patrick Williams of Wisconsin; one daughter Amber Williams; one brother Steve Williams; one sister Janice Gonsior, all of Rapid City; one granddaughter Shannon; and his fishing buddy Aurora.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Robert.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be 11:00 am Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.