Former Willenhall Town football club chairman Jack Williams – described as an ‘icon’ of the town – has passed away aged 86.

Mr Williams is credited with being the “driving force” behind Willenhall FC’s success from when he took the post in 1953.

He helped lead the team to Wembley for the1981 FA Vase final.In the game, Willenhall lost out 3-2 to Tyneside team Whickham.

Club secretary from 1964 to 1984 Tony Turpin, aged 71, of Short Heath, Willenhall, said: “I knew him very well, and he was a wonderful person. If something needed doing he would roll his sleeves up and get it done.

“He was a tremendous person to work with and he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Spokesman for the club, Ian Wale, said: “It is with a deep sadness that we have to report the passing of former chairman and life president, Jack Williams.

“Jack, who was the driving force behind the formation of Willenhall Town in 1953, was the chairman for 50 years and oversaw the merger of Aston Road Villa and Willenhall RAFA, and his countless hours of dedication and hard work would culminate with him leading the parks team that eventually went to Wembley with a wonderful smile and a charming manner.”

A father-of-four, with three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His wife Pearl, who he married at St John’s, The Square, Wolverhampton on January 27,1949, died 18 months ago aged 82.

A funeral is being held at St John’s Church, The Square, Wolverhampton, on April 28, the day he would have turned 87. It starts at 11.30am.