The death of J.D. Williams on Christmas Eve left a legacy of public service that spanned 48 years.

Williams served as Somerville’s mayor without pay for 42 years and as a town councilman for six years. He had no expense account and when transportation was needed to take care of town business he used his personal car.

He and his wife Sally, who served as town clerk for many years, retired in 2004. He was 86 when he died.

His love for Somerville was not only reflected in his long tenure of town governance but in his leadership in civic and community activities as well.

“Mayor J.D.” was a member and deacon of Somerville Church of God, a Master Mason of Lodge #731, a Priceville school trustee, a board member of the former Parkway Medical Center, a member of the Morgan County Industrial Development Board and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

“He was a good family man, a devoted public official and a man who was fun to be around,” said Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long who succeeded Williams as mayor in 2004.

“All you had to do to realize that was ride down the road and look. He bought the first police patrol car, installed the first street lights and initiated the courthouse restoration project.”

“People liked him and will remember him as a mayor who always looked out for what was best for Somerville,” Long added.

Williams is survived by his wife, Imogene “Sally” Williams, two sons and their wives,

two brothers, a sister and three grandchildren.