His relationship with the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade goes back so far, some committee members have a hard time trying to figure out just when Joe Williams first became involved with the annual event.

This year when the country's oldest continuing Memorial Day Parade winds through the streets of Ironton, the parade's oldest supporter will be its guest of honor.

Joe Williams was the unanimous choice for this year's honorary grand marshal. In nominating Williams, parade grand marshal Frank McCown said the honor is befitting the man.

"Joe has worked awfully hard and has been a member of the committee for probably more than 35 years. He has always been a strong supporter of the parade and it's nice to honor someone while they're still alive," McCown said.

"We are very proud of Joe's service to his country and to his community."

Williams said he was "quite surprised" by the honor. "I feel good about it," Williams said.

The honorary grand marshal's title is given each year to a Lawrence County veteran. Williams served two years in the U.S. Army

during World War II, stationed in the Philippines.

He returned home to Ironton after his tour of duty and was employed as an iron worker until his retirement in 1982.

He is also an ordained minister with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and served his denomination in a variety of capacities throughout the years. He was superannuated in 2000.

Throughout the years, Williams has served the parade committee in numerous ways, including organizing church participation in the parade, serving as chaplain and helping with the annual Navy Night service. He was parade commander in 1986 and grand marshal in 1987.

The parade committee honored Williams by naming its annual service award after him: the William Joseph Williams Jr. award.

He has also been active in the Lawrence County Historical Society and the Masonic Lodge.

Williams will attend the parade with his wife of 62 years, Julie.