Ray Williams
On May 19, 2011, a light went out in the world of jokes, puns, and double entendres when Ray Williams of Billings began his journey as a cosmic traveler. His razor wit and encyclopedic mind will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. He was 72 years old.
Born in Miami, OK, Ray was the first of three children born to Donald and Charlet Williams. He grew up there, swimming in creeks, chasing fireflies, and deviling his home room teacher with a steady, annoying but undetectable whistle!
After high school and some college, an Air Force Officer’s program presented the opportunity Ray was yearning for, to see the world outside of Oklahoma. His exceptional mind and ability moved him, in short order, up the ranks to Captain. As Radar Navigator/ Bombardier, he flew many missions over Vietnam, one time saving the lives of two crews by preventing a crash between his crew’s B-52 and a tanker.
In 1968 he married Linda Halstead whom he had met while stationed at Glasgow A.F.B. He left the Air Force with honorary discharge, and they moved to California where he earned a degree in accounting.
Moving back to Montana provided an opportunity to work with his brother-in-law, Ken Lewis, preparing delicious food in a café in Worden. He, his wife Linda, son Aaron, and daughter Rachel moved to Huntley where they lived for 15 years.
Dogged by health problems, Ray lived with chronic pain from Post-Polio Syndrome, the polio he had survived at age 12, cruelly revisiting him later. Diabetes, then congestive heart failure brought his life to a close.
Ray is survived by his wife Linda of Billings; son Aaron and daughter-in-love, Mie Williams of Easthampton, MA; daughter Rachel Williams of Ft. Worth, TX, and sister-in-law Eileen Lewis of Billings.
Rest easy, Ray. This long journey is done. Now your travels will not be hampered by pain.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Valley Healthcare Center and Rocky Mountain Hospice. Contributions may be made in Ray’s name to the Wilderness Association or Rocky Mountain Hospice.
Cremation will take place. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, May 23rd, at Grace United Methodist Church. A reception will immediately follow the service. After lunch we will travel to Rockvale Cemetery for interment and military honors.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.