Joseph Carlyle Williams, Jr.

CLINTON — Joseph “Carlyle” Williams, Jr., 76, passed away Feb. 8, 2022, at Sampson Regional Medical Center of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Carlyle, as he was known to all, never knew a stranger. He was always quick with a story, ready to tell you about his adventures, or something he read. He had a particular passion for Civil War history and origin stories, especially when it came to music and musicians.

A second generation photographer, he took portraits of Sampson’s best, coaxing a laugh from a baby with his antics or staging a bride with poise and grace. Carlyle practiced photography as an art for over thirty years, continuing in his father’s footsteps at Joe Williams Studio on the Courthouse Square in downtown Clinton. The studio was in operation for close to 75 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Carlyle Williams, Sr. and Celeste M. Perry Williams, who were both longtime Clinton residents. He was also predeceased by a brother, Richard P. Williams; a nephew, Joseph D. Williams; and two brothers-in-law, David Watson and Jim Ralston.

Carlyle was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church in Clinton and often attended at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Newton Grove. His passion for his faith could not be denied. He often would play guitar and sing at the services he attended, and played for all his nieces and nephews, who he doted on from birth. Each and every one of them was his favorite, and he was always quick to tell them. He is survived by his wife, Vaughn “Michelle” Williams; daughter, Mary-Ashleigh Williams; son, Joseph C. Williams, III; siblings, Teresa Ralston of Maryland, Philip E. Williams and wife, Brenda of Roseboro, Patrick Williams and wife, Ginger of Wilson, Marie Watson of Florida; sister-in-law, Winifred Williams Warren and husband, David; numerous nieces, nephews, and a large extended family.

A Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 19, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 357 N. Cool Spring St., Fayetteville. The rosary for Carlyle will begin at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. A brief visitation will follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Sampson County Animal Shelter in Carlyle’s memory. Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC.