Raymond James Williams

Pocatello - Raymond James Williams, 79, passed away peacefully of natural causes Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the Idaho State Veterans Home.

Ray was born April 13, 1931, the son of Walton James and Mami Loa Fuger Williams at their home on Jefferson Ave., Pocatello, Idaho. Ray grew up in Pocatello graduating from Pocatello Senior High School in 1949 where he was active in boxing. After graduating, Ray joined the Army. He was stationed in Germany for 18 months. In the army, he was a Forward Field Artillery Observer and E5 Sergeant. He then served the National Guard for 10 years.

On December 31, 1953, Ray married his sweetheart Twila June Eldridge at their Bishops home in Pocatello, Idaho. Ray and Twila were blessed with four children, Margaret, Leslie, Carrie, and Dale. After the Army, Ray worked for a Water Softener Company and then later he went to work for FMC. At FMC, Ray was a Foreman and part of the Emergency Response Team. He retired after 32 years.

Ray was an outdoorsman, avid fisher and hunter. His favorite place to take his kids was Island Park. He would load them into the boat and take off on a fishing expedition. Ray also spent time in Palisades where he designed and helped build a cabin with his longtime friends the Heath's. Ray was an excellent carpenter that could build anything that he set his mind to. He built the families home on Jefferson next to the house he was born in.

Ray is a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is definitely one of the best people you could ever come across. He was a great influence in many people's lives and his family is so grateful that they had the time they did to spend with him.

Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years as well as his children, Margaret (Eric) Nelson, Pocatello; Leslie (Marcia) Williams, Pocatello; Carrie Chadwick(Stubby Slatter), Twin Falls; Dale (Letty) Williams, Yuba City, California; 18 grandchildren, and 36 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister, three granddaughters, and 3 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. The family will receive friends Friday evening April 1, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Saturday at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in the Mountainview Cemetery with military rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.