Donald F. Williams, age 91, of Rockford, Illinois passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023. He is now reunited with his first wife, Susie; second wife, Shirley; as well as his parents, siblings, and countless friends.
Don was born on May 24, 1931 in Rockford to Sarah and John Williams. He graduated from East High School. He served proudly in the Marines during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Camcar Textron in 1992.
Don enjoyed gardening and fishing throughout his life. He was well known for growing the best tomatoes in Northern Illinois, and was more than happy to share them. He also enjoyed playing cards every Monday night for decades. Don was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan, even though they sucked. In all seriousness, he looked forward to each football Sunday watching the Bears with his son Brad. Don never met a stranger, and loved to socialize as much as he could. He was a longtime member of Blackhawk Athletic Club and LLL Club.
The family would like to thank Gerald (Gubby) Williams, Don's nephew, for the care, love, and friendship that he gave his favorite Uncle Don. He was someone the family could always count on for anything dad needed at any time.
The family would also like to thank his lifelong friend, Bob Simeons, from their wild Brooke Road days to countless hours of debate. Bob, dad knows that rubber is black and NOT red. By the way, Bob, thank you for the "fine" work on South Alpine Road.
Steve Pogue, thank you for being dad's best buddy and card playing pal. Your lawn mower repair skills are unmatched.
Terri Colasuono, thank you for the excellent care you provided dad in his later years. We all would like to know your system for winning scratch offs!
Scott and Lori Smith, you both always stepped up without being asked. We hope the water you put dad's boat in is not as contaminated as the water in the house.
The Reeps family: we will always cherish the time spent together on vacations, family gatherings and fish frys. Uncle Tex and dad were true brothers.
The Miller family: dad loved you all, you have always been a part of our family.
We appreciate all of the extended family and neighbors who unselfishly supported and treated dad as family. Thanks for helping him maintain his independence.
Don is survived by his children, Don (Jill) Williams, Joanna (David) Daniel, Hank (Sarah) Taylor, and Brad (Wendy) Williams; grandchildren, Brady, Bryan, and Bennett Williams, Ryan, Jacob, Nicholas, and Delaney Taylor, Ethan and Aiden Williams; great-grandson, Colton Taylor; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Don's honor may be made to Macular Degeneration Research at brightfocus.org
