William Edward Williams

William “Bill’ Edward Williams was born to Nora and Edward Williams on July 14, 1920, in Burlington, Iowa. While Bill was peacefully sleeping he finished his Earth Journey of 96 years on December 11, 2016; a wonderful journey that was long and full. His Heaven journey with God has already begun. He attended grade schools in Wisconsin and Missouri and graduated from High school in Davenport, Iowa, attended Graceland College, Lamoni, Iowa and graduated from the School of the Restoration, Independence, MO.

Bill met Doddie Mercer in 1935 at a church Youth Weiner Roast. After an eight year (off & on) courtship they were married in Rock Island, Illinois on March 12. l944. Bill served in the 4th Armed Division, stationed in Germany 1944-1946. Bill returned to his job at the Rock Island Arsenal and worked with his dad in his bicycle shop from 1946-1948.

Their families lived in several towns, states and homes during their growing up years so Bill & Doddie decided early on they wanted to live in one state, one town, one home and he would have a 9 to 5 job. Well, that did not happen but they were thankful for what did happen because a change in their life journey brought blessings of a wonderful rewarding life of serving God with many people in many places.

In 1948, Bill (with Doddie) began full time ministry for the Community of Christ, headquarters in Independence, MO. His first assignment was as pastor of the Kirtland Temple in Kirtland, OH. In the next 37 years, he provided ministry in over 100 youth camps and church family camps, as a pastor, counselor, teacher, and District President. He also directed many Seminars and Worship Work Shops. He was Campus Minister at Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa from 1974-1978. In 1978, Bill was assigned to minister in the Spokane Area and many of the Western States. Spokane became their favorite place to be and where they settled when Bill retired in 1985. He was a life time member of the Community of Christ. He was a good and faithful servant. The church assignments provided the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in many areas of our country: Ohio, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon, Nevada, California, Idaho, Washington and Alaska. Hundreds of loving, caring people touched their lives and they became a part of many families wherever they lived. Bill’s love of all people endeared him to those to whom he ministered. They lived in six states, eight towns, 12 homes and every place they lived was their favorite place to be. Even after retirement in 1985, his ministry continued to be a blessing. He volunteered in Hospice Care, conducting hospital visits, Homework Club Tutoring program, the co-leader of the Retirees club, “The Hereafters”, Free lunch program, Cross Walk, the Hmong community and anywhere else he was needed. Bill and Doddie were thankful for a wonderful life of loving and liking each other for 72+ years, a love that was evident to all who knew them. Bill was blessed with a loving and caring family and church families in places where they’ve lived.

Precededing him in death were: his parents, Nora and Edward. Sister Lillian Gamet (Ray), brothers Clarence (Dorothea) and David.

Surviving are: his wife, Doddie, three sons; Michael (Sarita), and Grandson Daniel, Springfield, OR. David (Brenda) Williams, Mesa, AZ and Randall (Wendy) Williams, Grandsons: Brent (Amber) Williams, Great Granddaughters: Isabelle & Brittany and good friend, Derek. Scot (Christina) Williams, Great Granddaughters Audrey & Ella. Michael (Rachael) Albrecht, Great Grandsons Conner & Riley. Granddaughters: Machelle (Jim) Nichols, Great Grandsons James, Boston & Jimmy. Kimberly (Toby) Skinner, Great Grandson, Zachary, Great Granddaughters, Zoey & Maddie, All of the Spokane area. Family gatherings were cherished and filled with blessings of joy, love, laughter, and loving memories, sharing current happenings in their lives and just being together.

Bill was a loving, caring, kind, gentle, patient, loyal, devoted, comforting much loved husband and soul mate, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He will always live on in our memories and hearts. His family will be forever thankful for the inspiring life he lived and the loving legacy he left behind.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Community of Christ church, 11515 E. Broadway Spokane Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spokane Valley Community of Christ. Since Bill thought that ice cream was at the top of the food chain, there will be an Ice Cream Social at the reception following the service.

A special thanks to our good friends, Connie, Tom and Rick with Hospice of Spokane, who touched our lives when they came into our home with their loving, kind, caring, comforting spirit.