Gary Dave Williams

Gary Dave Williams, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend returned home on February 3, 2018 at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a tremendous fight with cancer while keeping an attitude and willingness to conquer that amazed everyone. He was born in Rigby, Idaho, on February 22, 1932 to Thomas LeGrand Williams and Lucille DeBell Williams, the 3rd of 5 children. He attended schools in Rigby and graduated from Rigby High School. He attended Weber State University in Ogden, Utah and then the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. He was only one semester short of graduating from college. Gary joined the National Guard in 1948 at 17 years of age. He was then activated in the U.S. Army in August of 1950 and trained at the Old Armory in Rigby. He left to Idaho Falls on troop train in September of 1950. He was stationed at Fort Belvoir Virginia in September 1950 to January of 1951, he was later sent to Camp Stoneman California North East of San Francisco where he boarded the U.S. Mitchell along with 5000 troops. He spent 28 days on the ship while it traveled from San Francisco to Japan and spent one night there and took a ferry to Korea which took a full day. He arrived in Korea in February of 1951. He returned to the states in March of 1952 to Fort Lewis Washington for a week and later furloughed home and then back once more to Fort Lewis until May of 1952. He was Honorably Discharged in June of 1952. He married Marian (Mary) Roh on May 1, 1957 at the home of his parents in Rigby. He and Mary welcomed twin daughters Julie Ann and Jana Jo a short nine months later on January 18th. Surprisingly, they learned only two weeks prior to their arrival that they were having twins. Gary became a “sought after” builder/carpenter, known for his “perfectionism” in all he did. He not only built beautiful homes/buildings, but oftentimes drew up the plans for them (part of his architecture/engineering schooling). Although not always appreciated at the time, those who worked for him did learn to appreciate doing good work (if not, they got to take it apart and “do it right”) and carried that pride forward in their own careers. It was not a surprise to anyone who knew Gary, that he was an incredibly patriotic and proud Veteran. He was active in his VFW Post and was instrumental in making the Jefferson County Veterans Memorial a reality. The hours he (and Mary and countless others) put in cannot be calculated. However, they loved this effort and never did you hear him say “I” but always “we”. Gary loved people and family was of the utmost importance to him. He always made everything he did fun for others. He loved to travel with friends and family. He loved making new friends and made them everywhere he went. He loved fishing, golfing, camping, going on rides, people watching, attending basketball and football games with George, going to Island Park/Jackson with Gary P, basically doing most anything. He absolutely loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and would attend every event possible and cheer them on. He loved visiting with them and learning about them. He simple loved life and lived it to the fullest. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister, Shirley (Clyde) Johnson, and his older brother, Boyd (Sisters in law, Dona and Betty) Williams. He is survived by his wife, Mary Williams, daughters: Julie (Kirk) Hart, and Jana (Dan) Windmiller. Sisters: Sandy (Gary) Pettingill and Vicki (Bill) Bell. 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. His memorial service will be held at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main St. Rigby, Idaho, Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 11:00 am. A viewing will be held at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm and from 9:30 to 10:45 prior to services on Thursday. Interment will be at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1004, in honor of Gary at 3956 E. 180 N. Rigby, ID  83442. Contributions can be submitted to Commander Roy Gibson . The family extends great thanks to all the family, friends, and health care personnel who helped in Dads care.