Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
George Andrew Williams, 76, passed away on October 10, 2023 at Billings Clinic in Billings, Montana, surrounded by his family.
Andy was born on May 13, 1947 in Worland, Wyoming, the only child of George Thomas and Margaret Marie (Cornwell) Williams. He spent his early years on Gooseberry Creek on the Williams Ranch. His parents also lived on the Albert Holland Ranch, where his mother cooked for the ranch crew and his father was a "Camp Jack", keeping the sheep herder camps supplied with groceries and necessities. When Andy was two, the family moved to Hancock, Maryland. He remembers a cherry tree in the back yard, spiders under the porch and his dad trapping rats in the basement. In 1950, the young family returned to Wyoming. A highlight of that trip was seeing the trucks and bulldozers working in the Wind River Canyon constructing the Boysen Dam. Back on the ranch, Andy loved the freedom, sights, and smells the ranch had. With no running water, warm baths were a luxury.
Working with his dad, Andy grew to love mechanics and the workings of the 1950 Ford Coupe, and a 1949 Red pick-up, along with the three N-Ford tractors. His best friends were two of the family horses, Prince and Blackie.
Andy graduated from Worland High School, the Class of 1965. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was an Airman Basic in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. One of his main duties was to load bombs on the fighter planes.
Upon his honorable discharge, he attended Riverton Community College and later the Police Academy. He married Carol Ruby on September 21, 1968 in Worland. To this union two sons were born, Mitch and Marcus. The couple later divorced. He married Donna DeVolder on November 21, 1979. This marriage brought three more children, Matthew, Sara and Michael. He worked for Cream of the Valley, delivering milk all around Worland until becoming an officer with the Worland Police Department in July of 1982. He had worked his way to being a Captain when he retired in 2010. During this time, he taught many self-defense pistol courses. He also was a deputy coroner and acting coroner for several years.
Andy attacked life with zeal and determination. He set a goal to accomplish something every single day; that's what made his time worthwhile. He was a patrol officer (for the hunting season) for John Lumley, Sr, Bill Spratt and Rob Orchard for many years. Andy was a kind-hearted man who enjoyed hunting and fishing and fiercely loved his family. It wasn't uncommon for him to sneak the grandkids a soda or snack, just because he could! Family time in the mountains was cherished time together without the interruption of everyday life.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Those left behind to mourn his loss are his loving wife, Donna; sons: Mitch (Tiffany) Williams of Casa Grande, Arizona, Marcus (Colleen) Williams of Thorton, Colorado, Matthew (Jamie) Williams and Michael Williams all of Sheridan, Wyoming; daughter, Sara (Brett) Davis of Laramie, Wyoming; grandchildren: Nathan, Isaac, Ashlynn, Dakota, Sommer, Farrah, Lyrik, Jacob, Ashton, Alexis, Michael, Zayden, Novaleigh, Beckham, Bryleigh and Isabella.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Crosspoint Baptist Church with Beau Byrd officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and the American Legion Post #44. Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post #44 and sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences can be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.