Ralph Joseph “Joe” Williams, 79, of Christopher passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2009, after a battle with cancer.
Graveside services will be in Harrison Cemetery in Buckner on Friday, June 19, at 11 a.m., with Father Steve Poole officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Harrison Cemetery Association and envelopes will be provided and accepted at the cemetery. Funeral arrangements are in the care and direction of Poulson Funeral Home in Benton.
Joe, as he was called by his family and friends, was the first child born to Ralph and Victoria Williams on May 25, 1930, in Christopher.
Joe was stationed in Germany for two years with the U.S. Army. After the Army, Joe graduated from DeVry Technical Institute and went to work for Motorola in research and design and retired from there after 37-1/2 years. After his retirement, he returned to Christopher.
Joe enjoyed gardening, NASCAR, computer chess and relaxing in his garage.
Joe is survived by a sister, Carol Sloan of Christopher; nieces, Donna and husband Garry Smith of Mulkeytown, Valerie and husband Mike Menckowski of Mulkeytown, and Vickie Cockrum of St. Charles, Mo.; nephews, Chris and wife Lee Cockrum of Baltimore, Md., and Craig Cockrum of Sesser; great-nieces, Dena and David Stritzel of Christopher, Kristine and Thomas Reid of Buncombe, Samantha Cockrum of Sesser and Hayley Cockrum of Sesser; great-nephews, Gary Don Smith of Christopher, Mike and Kristy Menckowski of Mulkeytown and Lance Cockrum of Benton; great-great-nieces, Amelia Jo Stritzel of Christopher, Morgan Jones of Willisville and Jaden Smith of Christopher; sister-in-law, Norma Williams of Royalton; and a brother-in-law, Terry and wife Penry Cockrum of Benton.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Williams; and a sister, Mary Cockrum.
Benton, Ill. —
