Billy Ray Williams

Dr. Billy Ray Williams (91) passed away on April 28 th , 2025. He was surrounded by loved ones at his home in Spanish Fork. He will be dearly missed. Bill was born on December 11, 1933, in Twin Falls, Idaho to Harold Henry Williams and Blanche Maxine Skeem Williams.

Bill was raised on a farm and a cattle ranch in Idaho. He spent his time milking cows, branding cattle, breaking horses, mowing and bailing hay. He operated tractors, pusher combine, caterpillar, hay baler, and other heavy equipment. He loved horses, especially his quarter horse, Paleface.

Bill enjoyed sports. He played football, basketball, and baseball at Castleford High School. He played baseball at Utah State University in Logan, Utah and semi-pro baseball for two years.

Bill was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission in the Central States. He also served as elders quorum president, young men's president, high counselor, bishop, counselor in the stake presidency, and Stake president.

After returning from his mission, Bill met his wife, Betty Voncille Hart, on a blind date at a New Year's dance in 1958. They were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on June 20, 1959. Together, Bill and Betty celebrated 62 years of marriage and were blessed with four children. They welcomed their first child, Cory Ray, while living in Utah as Bill attended school. He received a B.S. and master's degree at Utah State University studying physiology, physical education, administration, counseling, and guidance. After completing his schooling at Utah State University, he was offered a contract for employment at Lompoc Unified school district in Lompoc, California. After moving to California, Bill and Betty welcomed their other three Children, Gina Lea, Brenda Jo, and Billy Rue.

Bill served in many positions in the district, first as a teacher, then as a counselor, administrative dean at Lompoc high school, principal of Vandenberg Junior high school, then as the associate superintendent and later as superintendent of schools.

During his early years in the district, he took classes from USC, University of California, and Cal Poly. He also taught classes at Cal Poly and Chapman University for several years. After seven years in the District, the Board of Education approved a sabbatical leave for Bill to return to school to earn a Ph.D. He was accepted at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City where he studied Administration and Management. He completed his degree in 1970.

After they retired, Bill and Betty taught at two universities in China. They spent a year in Jinan and a year in Nanjing. Bill often spoke fondly of the time he and Betty spent in China.

Bill had many interests including art, painting, sketching, golf, reading, and traveling. Bill's children still recall with glee the trips they made in their family motorhome during the summer months to Washington D.C. and the New England states, the southern states, and all the states in between.

Bill had a laugh that was contagious, and he was known for his teasing. His grandchildren will always remember the way he would stick his tongue out at them whenever grandma had her back turned. He was the king of nicknames and came up with unique names for his grandchildren. Bill created a home away from home in a cabin in Featherville, Idaho where his family was able to gather each year and share their testimonies and love for one another.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Blanche Williams, his sisters Irene and Carol, his daughter, Brenda, his grandson, Cammon, and his wife Betty. Bill often declared during Betty's life that she was his angel sent from heaven. She greatly blessed his life and the lives of their children. She was his heavenly angel for a few years, but they are now joyfully reunited.

Bill is survived by his brothers, Don and Gene, his sister Linda Bandy, his children; Cory Ray, Gina Lea (Dale), and Billy Rue Harold (Crystal). He and Betty have 20 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren (with more expected in the future).

Funeral services for Dr. Williams will be held Saturday, May 3 at 11:00am in the Sunset Hills ward, 949 N 540 W, American Fork, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:45-10:45am in the church building prior to the services. Please share a memory on Bill's tribute wall.

To Join the services for Bill please click the link below:

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