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Joel Williams Obituary
He was born April 4, 1953, in Rutland, the son of William G. and Josephine (Sbardella) Williams.
He graduated in 1972 from Poultney High School.
Mr. Williams served in the U.S. Army infantry during the Vietnam War.
He married Jane Davis March 14, 1981.
He was employed as a radio broadcaster and salesman, wedding DJ, publisher and editor of The Area News in Poultney, as well as being a paralegal for many years.
Mr. Williams was a member of Poultney Rescue Squad and served the town of Poultney as a selectman and representative to Rutland County Solid Waste District.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman, as well as a musician, artist and antique bottle collector.
Survivors include his wife, mother, daughters Gaelyn and Bryn Williams, and brother Terry Williams, all of Poultney; a son, Page Williams, of Tinmouth; two sisters, Nanette Greer and Melissa Downes, both of Alaska; four grandchildren; many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father Dec. 20, 1998, and a brother, Kevin Williams, on June 28, 2016.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at Durfee Funeral Home, 119 North Main St., Fair Haven.
The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 30, at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church.
Burial with military honors will follow in Poultney Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rutland County Humane Society Inc., 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 05763; or Veterans Assistance Office Inc., The Dodge House, P.O. Box 12, Rutland, VT 05702.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Williams
Bob Richards
June 25, 2018
Joe and knew since high school played football against each other and then competed in political discussions until his much mourned death. We hardly ever agreed but never denied each their respective opinion. He was gracious when he won the argument (mostly winning) and humble in defeat respectful always. I miss that more than anything, not to mention his encyclopedic knowledge of rock and roll and the blues. Rest easy my friend
MaryJ Stoneberg
July 23, 2017
Dear Jane and family,
Joel was always such a positive person! His dry sense of humor could brighten anyone's day! His smile and welcoming nature will be sorely missed around Poultney!
Cliff Jones
July 23, 2017
God Bless you Joel, you were always kind to me. I look forward to seeing you on the other side some day..
Margaret Hildick-Pytte
July 23, 2017
RIP Joel, I left Poultney just after High School but remember your gentleness and smile. You were a year ahead of me at PHS. I know you rest in the arms of Jesus now and my sincerest thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this time. I feel honored to have known you. Love is eternal, until we meet again. Your friend forever from down under in Australia, Margaret.
Dale Thennes
July 22, 2017
Will miss you Joel you were one of the best and back in the Seventies it was a very pleasant experience knowing, living, and traveling with you, and then going to Vermont and meeting your family an experience i will never forget, will be catching up to you soon my dear friend.
James Greer
July 21, 2017
Uncle Joel, I don't really know what to say to express how much I miss you already. So I suppose instead I'll think about how much fun we had, shooting guns and just talking. Even in the last few months, while you were sick, you had the energy and love to just talk with me--that chat we had while sitting in the hospital parking lot is, I think, something I'll remember for a very long time. And not only because you somehow had the breath to talk for nearly two straight hours--you did warn me!
I love you Uncle Joel, and I know you're resting in peace--you've more than earned a break.
July 21, 2017
Jane, Page, Gaelyn, Bryn, grandma Jo Jo and the entire family our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so saddened by the loss of Joel. He was a loving husband, father and friend and the memories will never be forgotten. We love you!
Mark, Josselyn and Hunter
Stephanie Williams Curtis
July 20, 2017
What to say about Uncle Joey....he was always my biggest fan and advocate, Godfather and second dad. The door was always open! My first memory of Uncle Joel was him dressing up like the Easter Bunny, I was about 5, & he hopped into the side of our house & almost knocked himself out! I'll miss your voice, your grace said so elequently before family dinners & your fatherly guidance.
Laura-Hildick Burge
July 20, 2017
Heartfelt condolences to the family. Joey was a great friend when we were in high school. I will always remember his smile. He helped me through some very hard times. He will be greatly missed.
Chazz Canney
July 20, 2017
I am deeply sorry for your entire family's loss, Gaelyn. Unfortunately, I never met your father, but there are certain qualities which onlookers can intuite, and he was undoubtedly a very loving and nurturing man. Sending prayers and love to give you all strength in this most difficult of times.
--Chazz
David Egan
July 20, 2017
A lifelong friend.I will miss him dearly.R.I.P.Joel !
Kim (Stephenson) Britton
July 20, 2017
Gaelyn, I want you and the family know how much you guys all mean to me and I've been sending prayers your way. I feel blessed to have known Joel, he was one amazing guy! Love and hugs to you all
Steven Sumner
July 20, 2017
Joel was my friend. I lost touch with Joel for many years but had the distinct previlege of visiting him in his home just before he was called to Heaven. It was like our time apart never happened! Joel was a standout and an example for others to follow. Joel was a proud veteran and served with honor. I salute you Joel! May God Bless you and protect you!
Gail-Jean Babcock
July 20, 2017
Jane and the entire family I am still keeping you all in my thoughts. Wishing you positive thoughts.
Mary Mead
July 20, 2017
It's so hard to imagine Joel not being here . He's been a rock and a shoulder to many . Every time I think of growing up he was just down the street . Having supper at the house with my brothers. Hearing his voice on the radio . The loss is great , to his family , friends and the community .Never will he be forgotten and always he will be missed . Respect .
Chris Tierno
July 20, 2017
Condolences to Gaelyn, Brynn and the entire Williams family.
Steve & Joanie Maslack
July 5, 2017
We were away last week and only learned of Joel's passing in recent days. I was saddened at the news.
In reading the many comments I am struck by the fine tribute to a good man -- a life well lived, a fight well fought, and a soul well loved.
Jane, JoJo, and all the family, we are so very sorry for your loss.
Joan Sawyer
July 2, 2017
Josephine and family--I am so sorry to hear of Joel's passing. He was a trooper in all of his illness.He will be missed.
Mike Stannard
July 1, 2017
Joel was a local treasure. I've been a fan of his music taste since I was a kid, growing up with his voice on the radio. He was also a true patriot. I'll never forget a conversation I had with him, before the gubernatorial debate at Sait Michael's College, in 2000 where he was explaining the importance of every citizen in our government. My heart goes out to the whole family.
Bradley Bender
June 30, 2017
Jane,
My deepest sympathy to you and know that I am thinking of you and your family during these difficult days. I hope that you will be able to come over and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the garden one of these summer days. Love to all of your family, Brad
Bob Richards
June 30, 2017
Joel and I had a long standing political debate that was at time heated and serious but always civil. He respected my right to disagree with him and knew that in the end we were both Americans dedicated to making the US better. I will miss our arguments and am very sorry for his family's loss. The United States lost a great citizen the other day we don't have many like him left. And don't get me started about his encyclopedic knowledge of music particularly the blues. Good bye friend.
June 30, 2017
Jane
So sorry to read of Joel's passing we are unable to attend his services but please know you and your family are so in our thoughts and prayers. Many good memories, what a brave battle he fought. Rest in peace Joel.
Matt and Emilie
John Howard
June 30, 2017
Your family, my family. For so many years you were like a brother to me and I will miss you. Always free to speak your own mind despite what was politically correct, for that you have my undying respect. Rest peacefully, my brother.
To Jane, JoJo and the family, my heart and prayers go out to you for your loss.
Jack Healey
June 30, 2017
My deepest sympathies go out to Joel's family.
Dawn Saunders
June 29, 2017
Hey, Jane and family, so sorry to hear about Joel. We remember you both, and your wonderful children, as great neighbors and good friends. Our thoughts are with you. Love to you all.
Adele Noble
June 29, 2017
To all of the Williams family I remember when Joel was a young lad he helped us in the summer throwing hay . Of all the boys that helped Joel was one of Lyman,s favorits,if he was here today he would say so himself. R.I.P. Joel
Lene &Jane Briggs
June 29, 2017
Jane and Family, I am so sorry for your loss of Joel.He was one of the best.Please take comfort in knowing that he is free and out of pain.Sending my prayers and my deepest condolences. Lene Briggs
Rebecca Hampl
June 29, 2017
So sorry to hear of Joel's passing. He served his country and his community and With honor and sincere love for fellow man. He was warm hearted and cherished his family. It was a priviledge to have known him. Rest in our Lord's loving arms Joel and don't forget to pray for those who are waiting to be reunited with you once more.
Talena Babcock
June 29, 2017
Williams family, so sorry to hear of your loss. If you need anything please let me know
Bob West
June 28, 2017
So rarely in this world do you come upon such a refreshing individual who follows the path of his convictions with such certainty. I will sorely miss Joel's lively debate, solid jams and most of all his creative playlists and knowledgeable commentary during his weekly journey of the mind on the airwaves. Er bod ffarweliaf â chi, nid yw ffarwelio yn ffarwelio oh brother of the Blues.
Cindy Wagner Carlson
June 28, 2017
To our guardian angel on the Green,... We are so sorry that you left us Joel, but knowing God has you free from pain is a comfort, however the Green will never be the same without you. To Jane and the rest of the family, Our deepest sympathy,.. I can't imagine such a loss, but you are all just as special to us as Joel, you all are forever in our hearts and prayers with love to you all.
Yvonne Daley
June 28, 2017
So sad to hear of this. I admired Joel and considered him a true supporter of his community and planet. I'll miss him. Please accept my condolences.
June 28, 2017
Dear family of Joel, we are so sorry that you have one so dear. Joel served his country loved dearly his family and shared so much of himself all for the benefit of his follow man. It was a privilege to have personally known Joel. His voice is a radio voice that will echo in my ears until we meet again in our Lords home. Love, prayers and all good things, Becky, Brian and Zachary Hampl
Janice Garrow
June 28, 2017
So very sorry Jane and family for your loss. Prayers for strength and peace coming your way.
June 28, 2017
So sorry to hear of Joey's passing. The voice from the radio will be no more.
Judy Skovira
June 28, 2017
Jane and family I am truly heart broken to hear of Joel's passing. What a great human being and a loss to all who had the privilege of knowing him. My thought's and deepest condolences to all. With much love Judy S.
Jonathan Taylor
June 28, 2017
What a loss for our neighborhood! Joel was always so kind and generous. I'll always remember all the little ways he helped, especially when were first moving in. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire family. It has been heartening to see all of Joel's friends & family rally around him over the past weeks. Jane, his children, grand children, siblings, friends, and other family you will be in our thoughts and prayers. --Jonathan, Rachel, Oliver, & Jonah
Nancy Nucci
June 28, 2017
Jane and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Joel's passing yesterday. May God provide you with strength and courage in the coming difficult days. I am always here for you, Jane, if you ever need me. Love, Nancy
June 28, 2017
Dear Jane and Family,
We love you.
Love, The Borden Family
Nancy Waitkus
June 28, 2017
Sorry to hear of your loss. A comfort in voice from vt radio is now quiet. Regards from Nancy and Calvin Waitkus.
Beverly Hughes Carignan
June 28, 2017
Jo-Jo, Nan, Terry, Jane, children and the entire Williams family...my deepest and sincere sympathy for the loss of Joey. May God grant you strength during this difficult time.
Evan Hughes
June 28, 2017
Joel was always an advocate for individual liberty and followed through by living what he believed. Joel is already missed.
June 28, 2017
My deepest sympathy for you ,Jane and your family on the death of Joel... will keep you all in my prayers.
Jacki Perry
Jen
June 28, 2017
My thoughts are with the family of Joel Williams during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there is a hope for our loved ones lost in death can be reassuring.
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