George Williams

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- George Williams, 67, of Marble Hill, formerly of Tamms, Ill., died peacefully Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at Chaffee Nursing Center in Chaffee, Mo., with his wife Martha by his side.

He was born Dec. 23, 1945, in Cairo, Ill., to Thomas and Martha Jordan Williams. He married Martha Highland.

George honorably served his country in the United States Army.

He first worked for Illinois Job Service and then the Illinois Department of Corrections boot camp in Du Quoin, Ill. He was proud to have turned many young lives around during his work there. He enjoyed his retirement at Whippoorwill Lake Resort, where he left his mark with all of his woodworking. He and Martha also will be remembered for the Cootie Barn.

Survivors include his wife, Martha of Marble Hill; four sons, Mike Williams of Vergennes, Ill., Mark Williams of Johnston City, Ill., Bob Williams of Chester, Ill., and Rusty Williams of Columbus, Ohio; a stepdaughter, Lisa Moore of Farmington, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gale Graves of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Glenda Clark of Tulsa, Okla.; good friends, Walter and Linda Templeton of Marble Hill; nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Through his illness, George always accepted what was handed to him, dealt with it and never complained. The staff at Chaffee Nursing Center helped make his last days comfortable.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of service Saturday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Larry Buckles officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by local veterans. Interment will be in Sims Cemetery in Elco, Ill.

Memorials may be made to Chaffee Nursing Center or Sims Cemetery. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences visit www.crainsonline.com.