The Catch of a Lifetime

The Gift: James E. Williams, Sr. affectionately known to family and friends as “Bae Bae” was born May 11, 1962 in Jackson Parish to Mrs. Cuba Williams Harris and Mr. Prentis Thomas. Bae Bae the last of seven children was raised and resided in Winnfield, LA. A student of Winn Parish School System, Bae Bae loved the sports of basketball and football, playing for the Winnfield Junior High School Bears, Basketball team. He could be found on any court in and around the community. Attending Winn Career Center, learning the trade of small engine repair, graduating with the class of 1981 of Winnfield Senior High School. “Bae Bae” began working in the lumber industry with forty-two years of service, retiring after health issues occurred, often proudly calling himself “The Debarker Operator.” Born with the birth mark, a Grey patch of hair indicating: Love, Wisdom, and Knowledge, which was given and shown freely to all; with him giving everyone their own special name; his trademark. “Bae Bae” had a very unique way of joking and facial expressions that brought a smile to your face and laughter to your heart; He was a New Orleans Saints fan, win or loose; and enjoyed watching westerns, never met a stranger, and always willing to help anyone. Known for the love of “Fishing” earning him the name “The Perch Cather” having taught a many family and friends “How It’s Done” “Bae Bae” accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age, baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church, He loved God and lived a God dearing life his motto: “Always Treat People The Way You Want To Be Treated.” Family was everything to him always concerned about everyone well being; willing to help however needed; making his home “welcome” to all, if for holiday meals, frying fish and seafood, grilling, crawfish boils or just a family get together, the only thing he asked or required was your “presence.” Understanding his assignment as “Our Rock” “Bae Bae” was a true definition of a real stand-up guy and good man truly one of a kind, that loved each one of us. Quoting, “I Done Told You!”.

The Gift Returned: On April 28, 2026, at Rapides Regional Hospital, A Golden Heart stopped beating; hard working hards were stilled, laboring was complete, and the victory had been won; the reward was earned, his wings were gained; God’s solider was called home, hearing the voice of the most high; “Well Done, Thy Good and Faithful Servant, Come Higher and take your Rest.”

The Gift Reunited: Rejoicing in his homecoming: his mother, Mrs. Cuba Williams Harris; father, Mr. Prentis Thomas; siblings: Oda Alvin, Brenda Maye, and John Wayne, Sr., Granddaughter, A’Myria McDonald; Grandparents, Ted and Lucille Williams, Sr.; uncles and aunts, Kenneth & Audrey Williams and Ted & Mary Jean Williams, Jr.; Niece, Tamara Britten; and cousins: Betty Jean, Anthony, and Christopher.

The Gift and Legacy Remembered: Children: Alicia Cockerham, Brandance Farmer, Derrick Williams, and James Williams, Jr., Grandchildren: Richard Williams, A’Layah Franklin, D’Mondre Lee Williams, and D’Ontae Lee Williams; siblings: Willie Harris, Sr., David Harris, and Susan Williams Jackson; sister in law, Debra Gibbs Williams; nieces: Tina, Teri (Chris, Sr.) Crystal, Oreal, and Winona; nephews: Alvin (Tanya), Sean (Jill), John Wayne, Jr., Willie Jr., Joseph (Christine), and Christopher; God sent children; Kesha, LeKesha, Tonya, Jerome Ladell, Shareata (Tiny), Khadijah (Gooda), C.J., Malachi, Zyion (Slick), and J’Vaune; Close Family & Friends: Sonnie, Patrick (Linda), Ramona, Barbara, Robert, Albert (Brenda), Delanda (Mike), Annie (Kenneth), Frankie (Ocie), Kadrain (Sheva), Keio (Shay), Paris (Dontae), JaMarcus, Dakota (Foot Stomper), and Ny’Kiera (Sugar Mama); his fur baby, Josephine (Jo); and great/great great nieces/nephews, cousins, family, & friends.