Raymond Williams

Raymond A. Williams, age 84 of Stanton, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2017 in Grand Rapids at Spectrum Health Butterworth.

He was born the son of Archie & Agnes (Hallock) Williams on February 8, 1933 in Stanton. They along with an infant daughter, Debra; son Mark Williams; sisters, Reva Adams, Helen Newberg, Janice Wolfe; brother-in-law’s, Ernie Phipps and Eldon Christiansen precede him in death.

Ray was a hard worker who started driving a tractor and hauling a thrashing machine at the young age of 8. He was an auto mechanic for 30+ years at Adam Ford Sales in Stanton having also worked at Rief’s Elevator, Ionia Manufacturing and also running a hobby farm while he was working. In 1953, Ray was draf ted into the US Army where he served his country for 2 years spending 18 months in Germany.

Ray is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan; their three daughters, Kathryn (Jerry) Kuzma of Pasadena, Texas, Patricia (Phil) Miclea of Gowen, Christa (Steven) Wilson of Grandville; grandchildren, Amy (Brad) Throop of Stanton, Lori Williams of Stanton, Sarah Wilson of Wyoming, Lisa (Adam) Beaty of Pearland, Texas, Brenton Wilson of Wyoming; great grandchildren, Emily and Logan Throop, Hoyt Parker; sisters, Betty Phipps of Benton Harbor, Lois Christiansen of Carson City; brothers, Ronald (Joanne) Williams of Stanton and Gary (Norma) Williams of Ionia.

Visitation with Ray’s family will be on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan.

Funeral services for Ray will begin at 11 AM on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan with Pastor Jamey Nichols officiating. Final interment will be at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Stanton.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Ray’s memory the family has suggested donations be directed to the White Pine Library. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home on both days.