WILLIAMS, Junior G. (JR)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 09/27/2011 Junior G. “JR” Williams, 85, died Sept. 21, 2011 in El Mirage. Hours before his passing, JR had been honored for his courageous service in WWII. Special thanks are given to the members of the family that put their lives on hold to care for him the last few years of his life. He told his brother Albert that “A man couldn’t possibly ask for better caregivers!” and they mentioned that they were simply returning the love that had been shown to them. Everyone in the family knew and felt his genuine love for them. He was born June 19, 1926 on the I.B. Williams Ranch he dedicated his life to his 32 plus years of Forest Service work and the upkeep of his ranch that was purchased in 1962 from Zina K Perkins. He was a wonderful equipment operator and metal worker. His loving personality and sense of humor set him apart. JR kept his great sense of humor until the end. Unfortunately the Rodeo-Chedisky fire was the beginning of his downfall. He died resulting of complications of Parkinson’s disease and the harsh realization of bureaucracy downfalls. JR was one of the most loving, jovial, helpful, ingenious, improvising, example setting, hang with it, honest, devoted, music loving and tender-hearted person his family has ever known. “He will reside in our hearts forever and his legacy will never be forgotten. May we please meet again.” He is survived by his wife, Joyce Williams; brother Cyrus Albert Williams; four children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, nine brothers and sisters and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Forest Road 163, Williams Ranch. A potluck will be held at the I.B. Williams Ranch at 1 p.m. following the services.