WILLIAMS, Jerry Reed

Vining Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona Jerry Reed Williams September 18, 1932 - May 24, 2013 Jerry Reed Williams, age 80, of Safford, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, May 24, 2013, at his residence, following a long illness, with his wife Kristine at his bedside. He was the son of Timothy and Vera Williams, previously of Peoria, Arizona. Jerry was born September 18, 1932, in Cardwell, Missouri. He came to Arizona as a young boy, with his family. He attended Peoria Schools, graduating from high school in 1950. Jerry then attended and graduated from the Phoenix Junior College, before joining the United States Navy in 1952. He served his country for four years active duty as a Hospital Corpsman followed by four additional years with the United States Marine Reserve in Phoenix. In 1959, Jerry married Kristine “Toni” Larson. They made their home in Peoria. While living there, Jerry would graduate from the Arizona State University in 1960. Jerry worked for the Federal CDC for several years before going to work as a microbiologist in the laboratory for the Arizona State Health Department in Phoenix. Jerry would retire in 1986, following which him and his wife, Toni, would make their home in Safford. Soon after relocating to Safford, Jerry would start the Eastern Arizona Wildlife Center. They would take in orphaned and injured birds and animals for care until they were able to be released back into the wild. Under the auspices of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, he also became well known in the area for his animal presentations at schools, youth groups, as well as at fairs and other public events. Jerry was also an active volunteer at Roper Lake State Park providing public outdoor programs there. He was a supporter of the Safford Public Library; he was recognized by 4-H and the Boy Scouts of America for his work with youth and was given the Pride of Safford Award. Jerry is survived by: his loving wife, Toni; his daughter, Karen; his granddaughter, Madi Thompson; his brother, Bobby (Judy) of Kingman; and numerous nieces and nephews.