WILLIAMS, Alfred

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, February 26, 2014 Alfred Williams Former Yarnell resident Alfred Hopkins Williams passed away Thursday, Feb 13 in Lawton, Okla. He was born June 21, 1926 in Monroe, Mich., to Raynor A. and Phyllis E (VanDegrift) Williams. Private services to be held at a later date. Al moved to Arizona at the age of 16 due to health problems. He worked at Luke Army Air Force Base and Goodyear Aircraft assembly plant during World War II. In 1946, he went to work for CALAPCO (forerunner to Arizona Public Service Co.) and retired after 37 years of service. In the late 1940s, he walked Highway 60 from Wickenburg to Salome -- setting a tin can and rock at the side of the road for the pole truck following him to unload the poles that would help bring electricity to the area. In years to come, when he was training young apprentices, he would serve them grilled cheese and bologna sandwiches for lunch while he “educated” them about the “good old days.” In 1983, he moved to Yarnell, serving on the Volunteer Fire Department and the Senior Citizens Board, where he oversaw the Food Share program for more than five years. Having become a Lion in 1972, he transferred to the Wickenburg Lions and was an active member until he moved to Lawton in 1997. He enjoyed his friendship and serving with the club -- including two years as the president. Filling many positions through the years his highest office was serving as District Governor for Oklahoma 3L in 2007-08 Always involved with his sons’ activities, he coached Little League teams -- never missing a baseball, football, basketball game or wrestling match they participated in and enjoyed bowling, camping and fishing with them. But the biggest delight until a few weeks ago was playing cribbage with them. He is survived by his wife Margaret; sons Mark and wife Georgine of Yarnell, John of Lawton, Harold of Texas, and Frank and wife Minina of Paris, France; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Peggy Joyce Peabody and their children Baby Cheryl and Kenneth Ray, and his sister Beth Morrison. His kindness, gentleness and love left footprints on many hearts. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to any local food bank or Lions Club. An online guest book is available at www.grayfuneral.com.