Dr. Christopher Brian Williams

A devoted husband, father, friend, educator, and community leader, Dr. Christopher Brian Williams, was received into the arms of his heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 in Snellville, Georgia. At just 42 years old, Chris left a profound and immeasurable mark on the world around him.

Born and raised in Perry, Georgia he was the son of Luell McGhee Williams and the late Eddie Mack Williams. Chris was a graduate of Perry High School and left Middle Georgia in pursuit of higher education. Throughout his educational journey at Savannah Technical College, Young Harris College, and Clayton State University, he made lifelong friends from the furthest tip of South Georgia to the top of the North Georgia Mountains. His college years brought him much joy and many tears.

Educating youth was of the utmost importance to Chris. He was passionate about making a difference in the lives of his students with the dual enrollment program for high schoolers at Clayton State University where he was the Director of Academic Outreach. Chris made sure that he took care of his team that supported him in doing his best each day. Always one to make things happen, Chris ensured that whoever he was with had open communication and dialogue, whether it was with his family, friends or a group of strangers. He encouraged those around him to think outside the box or just to stop and think about the world around them. He would host young adult round tables at family reunions or foster meaningful conversations with his friends. That's just who Chris was. Thinking outside the box was just one of the many beautiful attributes that made him, him. When he talked and asked questions, the answers weren’t for him to prove a point but to try to teach the person he was answering. All who knew and loved Dr. Chris, knew how important education was to him. He impacted countless lives throughout his career in higher education and was an example to others through his own educational accomplishments.

When he wasn’t solving the problems of the world, Chris could be found washing his cars. He loved to make sure his vehicles were in pristine condition. He was a fan of going to the gym and watching movies. His greatest treasure in his life were his family and friends. No one could match the heart that Chris had for those he held dear. He adored his mom for the way she loves and for her strength. He emulated that strength after the passing of his father. Chris and his siblings, as well as their spouses, had individual relationships that still lead to one purpose: love. Love to remain close and never let go of the bond they all carry for one another.

Left to cherish the memory of Chris are his wife, MarLana Shanelle Clinch Williams; daughter, Bella Zaire Williams; siblings, Horace Williams (Wycile), Kandal Owens (Randall), and Patricia Lane (Alex); in-laws, William H. Hunter, III, Alphonso Wallace, Jr., and Valeria Oglesby; siblings, Quintin Turner, Alphonso Wallace III (Ashley), William Hunter IV, Japhia Wallace, and Chandra Hunter; aunts and uncles, Godmom and aunt Minnie Green (Bobby), Griffin Williams (Grace), Mary Booze (Johnnie), Mattie McGhee, Roy McGhee, Charles McGhee (Colleen), and LaVerne Harvey; great aunts, Janie McGhee, Ester Davis, Rosabelle Davis, Routine Arnold, and Diane Arnold; step grandmother, Marie McGhee; godchildren, Jordan Jackson and Kai and Kiara Rodgers; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends, especially his devoted friends, “Them ‘98 Boyz” and “The Community” along with LaShronda, Dawn, and Melissa.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 14, 2022 at McCullough Funeral Home. His service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Southside Baptist Church. Chris will be laid to rest in Perry Memorial Gardens. For friends and family unable to attend, the service will be streamed live via the Southside Baptist Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SouthsideWR.

In lieu of flowers, MarLana Shanelle Clinch Williams is asking that those who would like to celebrate our brother’s life donate to their beautiful daughter, Bella's, college savings fund so she can continue to carry on Chris' legacy. To give Marlana an opportunity to meet with her financial advisor to determine the best financial tool, we ask that you send those donations via CashApp $LanaShanelle. Funds will be moved to the selected college savings, once determined. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Learn more about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.