John "Big John" Williams cropped

John "Big John" Williams. Image from Facebook. 

A candlelight vigil was held in Hayneville to honor and memorialize Lowndes Count Sheriff John "Big John" Williams, who was killed in the line of duty in 2019. 

According to the Lowndes Signal, Williams was honored on Nov. 28 at Hayneville town square. In attendance was Lowndes County Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Prince William, who said that he began under the late sheriff. 

Sheriff Chris West spoke at the vigil and songs were sung by attendees as candles were lit. West took on the duty of Sheriff after Williams' death. 

The vigil has been held annually since the tragedy by residents. 

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