ANDERSON COUNTY — Law enforcement officials said they were saddened on Thursday by the death of James Michael “Mike” Williams, 52, who died of a heart attack at home.

Williams had worked for Anderson County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy for more than 20 years, spending part of that time as a lieutenant in the narcotics division. For about the last two years, he was working in Anderson magistrates court.

Williams’ son, Jonathan Williams, is an Anderson County sheriff’s deputy, said Susann Griffin, the Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman.

“He came to work here as narcotics agent,” Griffin said Thursday. “He was a super-nice man and loved his children.”

Griffin said Williams also has a daughter, Kayla, who attends Anderson University.

Anderson County Chief Magistrate Nancy Devine said Williams was “our deputy in charge of security, but he was also a great friend to all of us. We’re really going to miss him.”

Williams had been a volunteer with the Anderson County Adult Drug Court, Devine said.

“His knowledge and background as a narcotics officer was invaluable,” she said.

Williams died in his sleep of a heart attack early Thursday morning, said Greg Shore, Anderson County coroner.

“He was a fine law enforcement officer and one that served us well,” Shore said.

Visitation is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at The McDougald Funeral Home, 2211 N. Main St., Anderson. Funeral arrangements will be announced.