March 19, 2024

Gary Wayne Williams

July 17, 2016

Gary Wayne Williams passed away peacefully at home July 17, 2016, following a nine-month battle with cancer.

Gary was born Aug. 23, 1945, on a farm near Reasnor, to Sam and Elsie (McCumber) Williams. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1963, and served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He earned a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Iowa. Gary was united in marriage with Marcia Dunsbergen June 23, 1972, in Sully. He adored their three children, Carrie Joy, Ryan Michael and Brandon Lee. The family lived in Iowa before moving to Diamond Bar, Calif., in 1987.

Gary is survived by his wife, Marcia; his daughter, Carrie Williams of Costa Mesa, Calif.; his son, Ryan and his wife Kristen Williams of Garden Grove, Calif.; his son, Brandon and his wife Claire Williams of Winder, Ga.; and five precious grandsons, Connor, Jonah, Elias, Gage and Beau. Gary is also survived by his sister, Betty Hartwell of Magalia, Calif.; his step-sister, Carole and her husband Rick Anderson of Palm Springs, Calif.; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Gene Scarbrough of Newton, Marilyn and Melvin Jansen of Sully and Ron and Julie Dunsbergen of Sully; an aunt, Shirley (McCumber) Smith of Durham, N.C.; as well as several nieces and nephews who remember him for his welcoming smile and his corny jokes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Elsie Williams; his step-father, Jack Willis; his sister, Jean Scarbrough; and his brother, Sam Williams.

Gary will be remembered best for his unconditional love for his wife, children, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, his kindness and compassion, his smiles, his hugs, his sense of humor and his puns. Most of all, he will be remembered for his Christian faith, his hunger to study God’s word, and his love for teaching adult Bible studies.

A memorial service was July 23 at the Diamond Bar Evangelical Free Church. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to EFree Building Fund, Latin American Christian Ministries, or St. Jude Crosson Cancer Institute.

A graveside service will take place at the Sully Cemetery next year.