He was born September 25, 1937 in Peoria to Samuel O. and Edna (Houser) Williams. He later was adopted by his stepfather Cyril Britten. He married Karen Bunch on June 24, 1972 in Peoria. She survives along with three daughters: Tiffany Light, Nanette (Bill) West, and June (Michael) Small. He is also survived by six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one sister, Barb (Herb) Unkrich, and five nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Diane Hursey.
Sam worked at Caterpillar, Inc for thirty-three years, retiring as a Tinner in 2001. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church where he served as a greeter and usher for many years. He was also a 57-year member of the Joseph Robbins Masonic Lodge and played the bagpipes with the Shrine Kiltie Band for several years.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 12 Noon with visitation starting at 10 a.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Rev. Ritch Boerckel will Officiate.
Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or the Alzheimer’s Association Peoria Chapter.
Tributes and condolences may be made through the funeral home website at Woolsey-Wilton.com
