Russell Williams

Russell Glen Williams; our beloved father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend returned to our Heavenly Father on September 30th, 2021 at the age of 71.

He was born to Dorothy Evelyn (Melling) & Fred La Grand Williams on September 30th, 1950. In rare fashion, he shared his birthday with that of his grandmother, Phyllis Melling.

Russ was the second oldest of seven children and grew up in Ogden, Utah. It was an adventurous place full of climbing trees, picking the Melling garden, and visiting Fred’s parents nearby. As a child, he also enjoyed playing marbles & won the Marble Tournament in the 4th grade, it was an exciting achievement for him. Russ found that he enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. He went on to get his Life Scout award. Russ was very active in chorus, drama, the science club, dance, tennis, and often enjoyed reading & writing poetry.

Russ graduated from Ogden High School, and attended Weber State College where he continued his love for Drama. He later left to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States Mission. When Russ returned, he attended Brigham Young University with the intent to graduate in Communications. There he met and married Patricia Mills. They had five beautiful children, and were later divorced.

His love for business brought him true friendships in bartering, trade, sales, and entrepreneurship. This brought him many fishing partners. If he wasn't talking about business, you knew he wanted to go fishing. Many of his friends were like family to him and he talked about their families and accomplishments often.

Russ has 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He would take the time to attend their many events such as football, lacrosse, plays, various recitals, and family blessings. He often talked about his grandchildren and loved them dearly.

Russ is survived by his mother Dorothy Evelyn Cortisse, his siblings (Williams): Raymond (Wendy), Robin (Sue), Randy (Janet), Rory (Elaine), Roxanne Ashby, and Ryan Williams; his children Keri (Kendall) Bushman, Christine Strong, Chelsea Williams (Carlos), his 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Fred La Grand Williams, his son Benjamin Jarvis Williams, and his daughter Charlotte Williams Rankin.

Funeral services will begin on Friday, October 8th, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary Lone Peak Chapel, 6141 W 11000 N Highland, Utah. A viewing will be held from 10:45 to 11:45. Interment will be held at the Highland Cemetery. Please share a memory of Russell on his tribute wall.

If you would like to help the family and donate, please donate to venmo account @williams-50 thank you.

To watch virtually please click on the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83759718367?pwd=SXh4NW5iS1JwSG1nUWJHNzNxcHR2QT09