Joseph R. Williams Jr ?Joe? passed away Saturday, March 23, 2002 in Sedro-Woolley, WA at the age of 69 years. He was born December 29, 1932 in Concrete, WA the son of Joseph and Susan Fornsby Williams Sr. Joe was a lifetime resident of Concrete and a member of the Upper Skagit Tribe. He is survived by his wife Rose ?Geri? Williams of the family home. Six sons Joseph Williams III of Lynden, Robert W. Joe of La Conner, Steve Joe of Bellingham, Randy Joe and his wife Karen of La Conner, John Joe and his wife Janice of La Conner, and Al Trevino and his wife Mimi of Tacoma. A brother Merle and his wife Rose Williams of Marysville and 4 sisters LuCella and her husband Elmer Lindsay of Sedro-Woolley, Betty and her husband Calvin Dick of Sedro-Woolley, Marilyn and her husband Frank Rock of Sedro-Woolley, and Barbara Williams of Mount Vernon. Two sisters in law Mercaline Williams of Peridot, AZ and June Williams of White Swan, WA. 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George and John Williams, a sister Lucille Williams, and a niece Barbara Jean.
Joe attended and graduated from Concrete High School and the Everett-Seattle Barber School. He served with the US Navy during the Korean War from 1952-1956. For many years he was employed as a logger and fisherman and later worked in Security for the Tulalip Casino for 5 years and the Skagit Casino for 3 years. Joe also served as vice chairman for the Upper Skagit Tribe in the early 1970?s. He and his wife Geri loved playing bingo which was their favorite pastime. Joe also loved coaching young people in baseball and encouraging them. He will be greatly missed for his continous teaching and leadership of family and friends.
Prayer Services will be Monday, March 25, 2002 at 7:00 PM at the Upper Skagit Tribe Community Center with Funeral Services to follow on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 10:00 AM at theUpper Skagit Tribe Community Center with Merle Williams, James ?Bumper? Williams and Thompson Sampson officiating. Burial and Military Honors will follow at the Hamilton Indian Cemetery. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Friends and relatives are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Joe in the memorial guest book at www.lemleychapel.com.