Born Obie Eugene Williams September 09, 1936 in St Joseph, MO to Lorraine and Edward Williams. He was one of twelve children. His parents, brothers Edward, Marvin, Eurcle, Wayman, Lamont and sisters Anna, Laura, Charlotte, Charmaine and Beverly all preceded him in death.
Obie attended Bartlett School in St Joseph until the 9th grade, completing his schooling at Poli Tech High School in CA.
He moved to Kansas City, Mo where he spent the next 40 years. He was employed by Chemical Sealing, and worked in the automotive field, working as a delivery driver.
He moved back to St Joseph where he worked for Experienced Workers for 9 years finally retiring in 2016.
Obie was married to Patricia Ann for 34 years, she proceeded him in death.
He leaves to cherish his memory: daughter Alma Marie Barnes (ATL, Ga),
2 step daughters Kimberly Johnson (KC, Mo), Tanya Winfrey (Lithonia, Ga) and 1 step son Hollis Winfrey ( KC, Mo). Grandchildren include, Brandon Martin, Dawnesha Martin, Melvin Johnson III, Christopher Winfrey, Milan Johnson, Jason Arnold and Brittany Smith, host of nieces, nephews, friends and extended families.
Obie was a member of St Francis Baptist Temple baptized at the age of 7 by Rev C P Morrow.
Obie never met a stranger, he became known as “The Popcorn Man” because he made it the old fashioned way and sold it all over town.
He loved being a greeter at St Francis and enjoyed bowling and spending his Saturdays with the Saturday Night Mixers.
Acknowledgments:
The family would like to thank: St Francis Baptist Temple, Pastor Hedge, The Bullock Family Chapel and Freudenthal Hospice Services.