William Williams

1938 - 2025

Bill was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Homestead Park. He graduated from Munhall High School in 1957 and joined the U.S. Air Force on June 12 of that year. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, he was stationed in Colville, Washington, where he met and married his wife of 65 years, Sharon Kay (Oaks). While still serving in the Air Force, he was transferred to San Bernardino, California, before completing his military service in May 1961 with the rank of Airman First Class (A/1C).

Bill and Sharon lived in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, from 1961 to 1963, where he worked for Major Finance as an Assistant Manager. In 1963, he was accepted to Eastern Washington University and moved to Spokane, Washington. In 1963, he was accepted to Eastern Washington University and moved to Spokane, Washington. Bill attended school full time while working part time in the Sears Credit Department and graduated with honors in 3 years in May 1966. After graduation, he began a 25-year career with Pacific Northwest Bell, where he held many positions, ultimately retiring in 1991 as Director of Technical Training for the 14-state U.S. West region.

After retiring, Bill enjoyed time at the family cabin and boating at Lake Cavanaugh, playing pickleball and golf, and being part of the "Possums" senior softball team. Spending time with family and friends was always his greatest joy.

Bill faced health challenges with remarkable strength and resilience. He underwent two open-heart surgeries-a quadruple bypass in 1991 and a valve replacement in 2007. In May 2023, he was diagnosed with MDS and received treatment at Fred Hutch NW through June 2025. During July and August of this year, his health declined due to congestive heart failure, leading to several hospitalizations and rehabilitation stays. He entered hospice care at home on August 22 and celebrated his 87th birthday surrounded by family.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sharon; daughter Kelly Leonard (Duane); son Keith Williams (Sunrise); and grandchildren Evan Leonard (Hedy Oh), Adrienne Leonard (Dan Kleeschulte), Gunnar Swanson, and Connor Williams. He was preceded in death by his sister Lois and brothers Bud and Bob.

In addition to being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bill was a loyal brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is remembered as "one of a kind" for his keen wit, humor, warmth, and wisdom-a true gentleman whose family was the most important thing in his life and his proudest achievement.

Bill cherished the saying, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened," and would want us all to remember it as we celebrate his life.