Travis Lamar “Marty” Williams, Jr., 64, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2020, at his residence in Booneville. He was born in Booneville on August 7, 1955, to Travis Lamar Williams, Sr. and Jessie Pearl Bonds Williams. He enjoyed music and being around his family and pets.
He was a 1973 graduate of Booneville High School. He was a musician and toured Canada and the southern United States as a drummer with the Johnny Jones Band. He was a graduate of Columbia School of Broadcasting in Memphis in 1975. Following that, he was a drummer, songwriter, and a band leader for many local bands in MS and TN. He worked for WBIP and WADI during his radio career. He was the first recipient of the R. J. Piggy Bonds award at the annual Prentiss County Good Fellows Program and a song co-written by himself, Debbie, and Danno Ozbirn was selected as the official song of the Good Fellows Prentiss County Christmas Program. In 2012, “Stimulus Package”, co-written by Marty, Debbie, Jonathan and Johnny Jones appeared on many christian music charts.
Due to CDC guidelines, services will be private for the family. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Burial will be in Jumpertown Cemetery. Booneville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Ann Newby Williams; one son, Jonathan Williams (Cassie) of Peppertown; one daughter, Desiree Williams of Booneville; grandsons, Logan Williams of Selmer, TN, Josh Williams of Peppertown; granddaughter, Cami Christian of Peppertown; aunt, Jane Bonds of Booneville; and cousins, Janice Williams Millican, Theresa Peters, Joey Bonds, Mike Bonds, Terry Lee, and Shelia Bonds.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Oscar W. and Louris Bonds and Leslie Berry and Lou Venie Williams.
