Clifford Gregorio Williams

1957 - 2010

Clifford Gregorio Williams, 52, of Nampa died at his home from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease on February 18th 2010.
Cliff was born on June19, 1957 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His parents Clifford M. Williams and Katherine (Kay) Williams moved to Twin Falls, Idaho where Cliff attended O'Leary Junior High and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1976. Cliff joined the Navy in November of 1977 and served until December 1981. He married his love, Wendy Almand on March 17, 1978 and together they were proud parents to Justin Jordan, Jacob, and Chelsea. Later, he became a wonderful father-in-law to daughters Anna, Marci and Cortney. Granddaughters Brooklyn and Avery were two of the greatest joys and blessings of his life.
Cliff surrendered his heart and life to Jesus Christ in September 1977 and never looked back. He lived passionately for the Lord for the next 32 1/2 years. In 1979 Cliff became involved in youth ministry and was committed to youth ministry lay, part time, and full time for the next 23 years in Port Orchard, WA.; Corona, CA.; Rancho Cucamonga, CA.; Santa Clarita, CA.; Upland, CA. and Twin Falls, Idaho. He attended The Master's College in Santa Clarita, California and Beeson Institutes through Asbury Theological Seminary. He always loved practical training and learning for ministry and continued to pursue his own spiritual growth his entire adult life. He became licensed and ordained through the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination.
In August '02 he and his family moved to Nampa, Idaho to start (plant) a church (The Rock) through the leading of the Lord. Five families committed to move to help plant the church and the church now averages 250 people- many of whom came to know Jesus at The Rock. Cliff was also one of the Chaplains for the Nampa Fire Department. He deeply admired and cared for all the firefighters in Nampa and lovingly called them brothers.
Cliff always loved the outdoors and sports. He coached his kids for several years in baseball, soccer, softball, and basketball. He played on various city and church league teams in softball and basketball. He also loved to golf, fish, and camp. Cliff always had a terrific sense of humor and loved to laugh. He was also not ashamed to cry. He truly loved people and frequently broke "personal bubbles" with his loving hugs.
Cliff was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) on July 3, 2008. Cliff knew that day his life and his family's lives would forever be changed. For the worst and for the better. In July '09 Cliff was honored to read Lou Gehrig's farewell speech at the 4th of July Boise Hawks game. In September '09 Cliff was featured on the Jerry Lewis Telethon where he shared his story of how ALS had affected his life up to that point. Cliff received the 2009 Robert Ross Personal Achievement Award from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In November '09 Cliff was pushed in his wheelchair by his son, Justin, 5K for the Cliff Williams "A Legacy of Service" annual 5K and half-marathon for the first and last time.
Awaiting their reunion in heaven are his wife, Wendy Williams; sons Justin, Jordan, Jake; daughter Chelsea; daughters-in-law Anna, Marci, and Cortney; granddaughters Brooklyn and Avery.
He is also survived by his brother Roy Williams, and sister Carol Ballard, both of Twin Falls, Idaho.
He was preceded in death by his father Clifford M. Williams and mother Katherine (Kay) Williams.
A foundation has been established in Cliff's name: Cliff Williams "A Legacy of Service". The vision of the foundation is to help people develop a Christian worldview by helping them go on short term mission trips. He and his family request, in lieu of flowers, that donations be given to the "A Legacy of Service" foundation. Donations can be sent to The Rock, 77 S. Happy Valley Road, Nampa, Idaho 83687. Please mark donations with the foundation's name.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude and love to family, friends (both near and far), The Rock, Nampa Fire Department, and Treasure Valley Hospice for your tremendous and sacrificial outpouring of love, support, and prayer during this difficult time. We have been strengthened by you. Thank you!
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Clifford's life will be held on Saturday February 27, 2010 at 10 am at First Church of the Nazarene, 601 16th Ave South, Nampa, Idaho. Alsip and Persons Funeral Chapel in Nampa will be overseeing arrangements and can be contacted for information at 208-466-3545. Memories and condolences may be sent to www.alsipfuneralchapel.com.
"Love God, love people. When you get the vertical right the horizontal will always be right." Cliff
Pastor Cliff Williams- passionate follower of Jesus.