Jack B. Williams

Jack B. Williams, age 76, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on Friday July 19, 2024. Jack and his twin brother, Joe, were born on May 21, 1948, in Fort Smith, AR. His father, Jack B. Williams, Sr., was vice-president of Williams Hardware Co. and his mother, Agatha Nell Williams, was a homemaker. His father died of cancer and his mother died accidentally. Jack and his brother then moved to live in Knoxville with their aunt, Gertrude K. Tauscher, and her husband, Clifford K. Tauscher. Jack attended First Lutheran Church as well as First Lutheran Parochial School. Jack was an Eagle Scout and was awarded the Pro Deo et Patria Medal while a Boy Scout. He attended Whittle Springs Junior High School and then attended and graduated from Fulton High School. Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army. He Served in the Republic of Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces where he was awarded several medals including the Bronze Star. He then returned to Knoxville where he attended and graduated from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He then was admitted to Memphis State University Law School where he graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree. Subsequently, he worked as a Staff Attorney for the Office of Hearings and Appeals of the U.S. government. He later competed for and was appointed as an Administrative Law Judge with the U.S. Office of Hearings and Appeals. He served in that position for more than 30 years in several locations and as an Administrative Law Judge in Charge. During this time, he received a Direct Commission from the U.S. Navy Reserve as an Intelligence Officer (1635) where he advanced from the rank of Ensign to Lieutenant Commander. Jack was preceded in death by parents Agatha (Nell) and Jack Williams, Gertrude (Kretzschmar) and Clifford Tauscher; Uncles, Clifford and Ramon Tauscher; also his loving wife, Ellen (Hackney) Williams who preceded him in 2020. Jack is survived by his stepchildren: Stephen W. Hackney, Leigh Ann Hackney, and Holly K. Hackney and by his brother: Joseph K. Williams; special cousins Mary Ellen Allen, Knoxville and son, Jason Gentry (Danae)Troy, NY; Karl Tauscher (Darla) and son, Clayton, Virginia Beach, VA and daughter, Laura Tauscher, Nashville; John Tauscher (Jane), Ft. Worth, TX and son’s Luke (Mary), Jake (Julie); Josh Tauscher (Heather), Jordan and Logan, Knoxville; special friend and former sister-in-law, Kim Williams Petty and her children, Jack’s only nieces and nephew, Nashville. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Monday, July 29, 2024, at Rose Funeral & Cremation Broadway. A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday July 30, 2024, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier Highway) with Rev. Edward Maanum officiating and full military honors. Online obituary and guest register are available at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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Jack B. Williams

May 21, 1948 - July 19, 2024