Byron Williams Jr.

Byron "Barney" Ellsworth Williams Jr., age 84, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Bernard; parents Byron Sr. and Geraldine Williams. He is survived by his son, Todd; daughter, Tanya; brothers Jerry, Floyd, and Ted; sisters Rita, Helen, and Pamela; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Byron spent his childhood in the upper peninsula with his Grandma and Grandpa Erlandson and some brothers and sisters, living in a simple cabin on Lake Michigan. Sometimes they “ate smelt for breakfast, lunch, and dinner” and “cut firewood with a bucksaw.” He moved south to GR, joined the Navy, then worked as a welder in aircraft, moving to office furniture, where he was promoted to lead foreman. He retired to the upper peninsula for 32 years, where he found "serenity" and good fishing. He loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors in general. People said, “He could catch a fish out of a bathtub." He enjoyed tying flies for trout and steelhead fishing and was a fishing guide for a short time, which he said was his "dream job." One of his favorite activities was sitting on the porch with his golden retriever, Queenie, "watching nature unfold." Son, Todd, enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing with Dad, cutting firewood and fixing things on the property in the U.P.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.