John Allen Williams

John Allen Williams

September 16, 1952 – October 27, 2026

John Allen Williams, 74, passed away on October 27, 2026. Born in Houston, Texas, to the late Al and Dottie Williams, John was raised in Topeka, Kansas. He studied Civil Engineering at the University of Kansas before moving to Charlotte in 1972 to complete his engineering degree at UNC Charlotte while helping launch Metrolina Builders. John devoted his life to family, work he loved, and adventures shared with friends.

An avid outdoorsman, John cherished annual trips hunting across North America or fishing in Ontario with “The Trianglers” – a trip that began in 1964 and carries on today thanks to John’s dedication. The “Game Room” at Metrolina Builders tells the story of those outdoor traditions, beginning with his father and extending through his son to his grandsons. He loved introducing newcomers to the places he loved, sharing his knowledge, and helping them discover the same joy.

Metrolina Builders was his life’s work. John loved the challenge of making a building work. You would often find him at his drafting board, finding a better way to make the pieces fit. He loved putting his engineering mind to work, whether it was solving complex problems or just helping with math homework. What made John proudest was the family legacy growing around him. He treasured the years working alongside his father and mother, and later his son, daughter, brother, and nephew. But what made him especially proud was watching the business grow and evolve, and the chance to welcome in the fourth generation. Kind, generous, and hardworking, John cared for others with compassion and humility, and took seriously the responsibility of providing for everyone on the Metrolina team.

John and his beloved wife, Gloria, married in 2004 and loved traveling, taking cruises, and enjoying life on the lake. John was a believer in Christ, and he and Gloria made their spiritual home at Lake Forest Church. Above all, he loved his family and being “Poppi” to his grandchildren, passing along his knowledge, his passions, and the gift of time together.

John is survived by his wife, Gloria; his son, Matt Williams (and wife Shawn); his daughter, Sarah McIntyre (and husband Parrish); his stepson, Cody Keziah; his grandchildren, Conner, Ben, Davis, and Jack Williams, Molly and Ann Carter McIntyre, and Winston Keziah; and his siblings, James Crowell, Jean Massey, and Ken Crowell.

A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Lake Forest Church Huntersville, 8519 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. A reception will follow in the lobby.