Dwight J. Williams

Dwight Joel Williams, 88, of Carmel, IN went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 8, 2023.  He was born on September 11, 1934 in Clinton County, Indiana to Willard and Bonetha Louise (Adams) Williams.

Dwight graduated from Frankfort High School, joined the U. S. Navy in March 1953 (to see the world through a port hole) with “Uncle Sam” financing his around-the-world journey aboard the USS Hornet-CVA 12 Aircraft Carrier, ending up patrolling the South China Sea and other places.  He was born again Sunday evening June 12, 1955 at the First Baptist Church of San Diego, CA. On Sunday evening April 8, 1956 Dwight surrendered his life to full-time Christian service.  He did not realize at the time what that fully meant, but in due time he came to understand and believe that meant to be faithful to Christ beginning at home and away; whenever and wherever God presented opportunities for service.

After being Honorably Discharged from the U. S. Navy Dwight attended Taylor University, married his wife Carolyn on August 15, 1959, and graduated from William Penn College of Oskaloosa, Iowa. During their time in Iowa, they came away from a church service, returned to their car, and looked at each other with looks of amazement on their faces. Dwight described Carolyn’s countenance as beautiful, and this became a turning point in their lives and marriage as they together gave their all to serving Christ the remainder of their lives. As Dwight looks back on this time, he believes it was when the Holy Spirit was calling them to turn their lives and everything they possessed over to the Lord and allowing Him to direct their steps. He then pastored a small church in an abandoned coal mining community as well as played football while at William Penn College.

Dwight served in many ministries at Colonial Hills Baptist Church, where he and Carolyn were members for over 60 years. He served as Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, Awana Club Director and Commander, as well as Deacon and Trustee. He also served as an original Board member of Michiana Baptist Camp and as a Board Member of Widow’s Jar Ministries in its early days. He was also a commissioning member of Hope in Crisis Ministries.    

He preached at several churches around Indiana and pastored the Fairview Congregational Christian Church of Boone County, Indiana for eighteen years. The preceding events in Carolyn’s and his life were some of the most meaningful.  The decision to become pastor of the church was readily supported by his wife and children.  Dwight served as a precinct committeeman and an elected member of the Clay Township Advisory Board, was a long-time member of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Merit Board serving as President for several terms and as an Associate Chaplain with the Sheriff’s Department since 2000.  He so valued his time of service with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. 

In addition to his parents, Dwight was preceded in death by sisters, Virgina Garrison and Jeralyn Harper.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Carolyn Sue (Gano) Williams; son, Kent (Barb) Williams, and grandson, Caleb Williams; daughter, Carla (Neal) Williams; granddaughters, Beth Ann Williams, and Laura Michelle (Steve) Hannah; and 1 great granddaughter; brother, Carroll Williams, along with several nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.

Family and friends will gather on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 5-7 pm in Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 8140 Union Chapel Road, Indianapolis and Friday, July 14, at 10 am. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am in the church with Pastor Chuck Phelps officiating.

Burial will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens including Military Honors and the Hamilton County Sheriff Department Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to Colonial Hills Baptist Church Camp Fund, 8140 Union Chapel Road, Indianapolis IN 46240. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dwight J. Williams, please visit our floral store.