Jeffrey S. "Jeff" Williams

Jeffrey “Jeff” Williams, 63, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away on August 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jeff was born on April 25, 1963, to Donald and Gretchen Williams. On June 20, 1987, he married the love of his life, Mary Samson, at Birchwood United Methodist Church in Battle Creek. Together, Jeff and Mary built a beautiful life, raising their two daughters and sharing 39 years of marriage filled with family, friendship, travel, laughter and countless treasured memories.

Throughout his career, Jeff was known for his leadership, dedication and ability to build lasting relationships with the people around him. He worked as a manager at Sears and later served as Director of the Multi-Sports Complex at the YMCA of Battle Creek, a role that naturally combined his leadership skills with the love of athletics. He went on to serve as Regional Manager for Aacer Flooring before becoming Product Manager at Kuhn Specialty Flooring. Jeff truly loved his work at Kuhn and, even more importantly, loved the people he worked with and for. They became much more than coworkers and colleagues to Jeff and Mary – they became extended family.

Football was one of Jeff’s greatest passions. For more than 30 years, he served as a varsity assistant football coach at Harper Creek. He loved being on the field under the Friday night lights, but even more than the game itself, Jeff treasured the people who shared it with him. The friendships he formed with the men he coached alongside became lifelong bonds and remained an important part of his life.

Jeff was also an MHSAA baseball official and loved being involved in sports in nearly every way he could. But as much as Jeff loved sports, no game was more important than the one involving his grandchildren. He especially loved watching his oldest grandson, Carter, play sports and was incredibly proud to be his grandpa.

Above all else, Jeff loved his family. His four grandchildren – Carter, Grayson, Georgia and Annie – brought him immeasurable happiness. He treasured being their grandpa and loved every opportunity he had to spend time with them.

Jeff also enjoyed golfing, spending time on his boat, driving his beloved red Jeep and traveling with Mary and their friends. Whether he was on the golf course, out on the water, taking a drive, standing along a football sideline, traveling somewhere new, or simply surrounded by the people he loved, Jeff appreciated the relationships and moments that made life meaningful.

At the center of Jeff’s life was his Christian faith. He loved Jesus and carried that faith with him throughout his life. His family takes comfort in knowing that the faith Jeff held here on earth has now become sight and that he is at home with his Lord and Savior.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Mary Williams; his daughters, Rachael (Brandon) Marks and Katelyn (Jordan) Shawver; his beloved grandchildren, Carter, Grayson, Georgia and Annie; his mother, Gretchen Williams; his sisters, Lori (Paulo) Holguin and Shari (Jim) Murray and many nieces and nephews.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Donald Williams.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Battle Creek, where a funeral service celebrating Jeff’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9. Interment and a graveside service will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Personal messages and memories can be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

Jeff leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the football field or the places he worked. It lives in the daughters he raised, the grandchildren he adored, the life he built with Mary, the players he coached, the colleagues who became family and the lifelong friends who stood beside him through the years.

Jeff loved deeply, worked hard, treasured his friendships and found great joy in family. While those who loved him would have wished for many more years with him, they are comforted by the promise of his faith and the knowledge that this goodbye is not forever.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23.