Joe Neil Williams, 81, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to every one he met, died Tuesday October 30, at Flagstaff Medical Center after suffering a stroke at his home.
Joe was born June 26, 1926, in Arbyrd, Missouri to Neil and Mattie Williams. He grew up in North East Arkansas on the family farm. He joined the Navy in 1943 and was discharged after the end of WWII. During that time he married his childhood sweetheart, Wanda and after leaving the Navy they returned to Arkansas where they farmed for a time. Joe and Wanda eventually moved their family to Southern California where Joe worked in the Aerospace Industry until his retirement. Wanda died in 2003, after which Joe moved to Flagstaff to be near family. Joe loved baseball, basketball, fishing and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his daughter La Donna (Gary) Walker, son Rod (Eileen) Williams, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, parents his brother and sister.
A memorial services will be held Sunday November 11th at 2:00 PM at the East Valley Baptist Church, 10655 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. Internment will be in Westminster, California with Wanda. There will be a graveside service for family and friends in California. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made either to East Valley Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice.