Johnnie "Rocky" Lee Williams Jr.

Johnnie Lee “Rocky” Williams, Jr., 64, passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at his home in Rigby, Idaho, surrounded by family and friends after a short yet valiant battle with cancer. Rocky was born on April 9, 1955, in Heppner, Oregon to Johnnie Lee Williams Sr. and Mary Colleen Connor Williams. He was the oldest of two boys, and lived in Heppner, OR; Spray, OR; Kinzua, OR; Portland, OR; Fallon, NV; and Aloha, OR; before finally moving to Rigby, ID in 2001.

Rocky attended grade school at St. Henry’s Catholic School in Gresham, OR; Highland Hills Junior High in Beaverton, OR; Aloha High School in Aloha, OR, graduating in 1972; and Oregon State University Farriers college. Rocky had an immense love for horses and worked as a farrier from 1974 to 1994. He also worked construction, as a salesman, and even did some rodeo clowning from 1970-1976. His love for horses was so great that a few days before he passed away, he mentioned to some friends that he wanted to just touch a horse one more time before he died – a wish that was granted, creating an experience that left a huge smile on Rocky’s face.

On May 10, 1975, Rocky married Sharon Lynn Brady. To this union, one daughter, Chloe Lynn Williams was born. They were later divorced. Rocky then married Debra Bernice Weatherman in 1994. From this union, Rocky gained an adopted daughter, Cacie AnnaJean Williams. Rocky and Debra were also later divorced.

Some of Rocky’s other favorite hobbies included building houses, bowling, shooting pool, and sharing scriptures and spiritual thoughts with friends and family members. Rocky was a devote Christian, and in the days before his passing as we discussed his obituary with him, he wanted everyone to know that “I just love Jesus!” Rocky had a firm belief in freedom of religion and loved discussing and learning about other religions. He also had a strong love for the city of Rigby and loved being a part of this tight-knit community. He can be remembered as the man who rode around town on his big tricycle. He also loved frequenting the local Broulim’s. He was very excited about his role in helping facilitate the Rigby freedom of religion picnic held a few weeks before his passing and was sorely disappointed when his failing health prevented him from attending. Rocky had high hopes that the tradition will continue for years to come.

Rocky is preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Lee Williams Sr, who passed away in 1974. He is survived by his mother Mary Colleen Williams of Beaverton, Oregon; his brother, Albert Melvin “Rick” (Nancy) Williams of Portland, Oregon; his daughters, Chloe (Aaron) Rogers of Urbandale, Iowa; and Cacie (Adam) Christensen of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Nephews, Spenser Williams and Connor Williams of Portland Oregon and two grandchildren.

Rocky wishes to thank his caregivers at Hands of Hope Hospice for their care during recent weeks. He also wishes to give a special thanks to his friends, Buck and Annalee Ashby and their family for the many recent years of love and care they showed him.

A celebration of life will be held from 2-4 pm, Saturday, February 15, 2020. at the Rigby Community Presbyterian Church, 111 W. 1 ^st North.