Rev. Donnie Larston Williams

Reverend Donnie Larston Williams, a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ left for his heavenly home on Friday September 25, 2026, at the age of 74, while surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, dad, grandad, a spiritual leader, and generous provider. He brought his family up in the admonition of the Lord, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," Joshua 24:15. As a result of his living example, his entire family continues to serve the Lord.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Conner Williams of 56 years, daughter Alecia Dover (Kevin), son Rev. Donnie "Caleb" Williams (Jordan), granddaughter Kaitlyn Angelique Bryant (Robbie), grandson Bryant Larston Dover, granddaughters Baylee Rae and Marlee Kate Williams, great grandsons Riggins Conner and Roper Caleb Bryant, his cousin who is more like a brother, Mike (Hub) Rogers, and his church family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Larston Williams, and Edna Dotson Williams, infant daughter, Sharon Angelique Williams, and sister, Jean Williams Jones

Don graduated from Shelby High School in 1970. In his early years, he was known by many as the lead singer and lead guitarist of "The Trends" and "Freeway South." Music has always been an important part of his life. His last gig was at the Shelby Country Club on New Years Eve 1983. He was born again in August 1983 and made the decision to give up secular music and began a contemporary Christian group "Living Proof." After a year, he accepted the call into ministry. He graduated from Southern Wesleyan University with a BS degree in Christian Ministries in 1991 and later from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Master's degree in theology. He achieved the highest honor of Summa Cum Laude from both universities. He often said, "How did a poor boy from South Shelby graduate from college with a masters degree? The answer is only by the grace of God!" He began his ministry journey at the age of 30.

He served as youth pastor and music director at Glenwood Wesleyan Church in Easley, SC while attending SWU. His first senior pastorate was Rockingham Wesleyan Church in Rockingham, NC 1991-1995. Then he was called to First Wesleyan Church of Kings Mountain and served 1995-2023. He retired after serving 28 years in April 2023 due to his health.

Before accepting the call into the ministry he was employed by Artex International of Boiling Springs as a Plant Supervisor and later as the Plant Manager 1984-1991. He was employed by Fiber Industries 1973-1982. He served in the National Guard at the Kings Mountain Unit 1972-1979.

He loved going to Williamsburg, VA, Cades Cove and Pigeon Forge TN, playing golf at the beach, and taking the family to Forest City and McAdenville NC at Christmas time. He visited every Christmas store he could. He loved watching Christmas movies all year long and also loved when the Christmas songs started to play on the radio. His family was always ready to join in singing Christmas songs when he picked up his guitar during the holiday season. He started a lot of traditions during the Christmas season, such as treating the whole family with breakfast at Cracker Barrel on Christmas Eve. In 2006, he bought farm land in Grover, NC. He found joy in plowing, planting and watching the crop grow. He put out game cameras to watch all the wildlife that would eat the fruit of his labor. Don wanted to make sure the land was ready for deer hunting, one of his favorite pastimes with his son and grandson. He enjoyed taking his wife fishing and to play golf. But his greatest joy was to preach the word of God, share the gospel, lead others to Christ and to disciple. He loved his family, his friends, and his loving supportive church family with all his heart. He will be sorely missed by all the lives he touched.

A worship service honoring his life will be on Saturday October 10 at First Wesleyan Church at 505 N. Piedmont Ave, Kings Mountain, NC. Visitation will begin at 1:30 with service following at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Wesleyan Church Kings Mountain, NC or St. Jude's Children Hospital.

His last words would be from Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." NLT May he rest in peace. To God be the glory!