Mike Francis Williams

Mike Francis Williams was born on June 14, 1949, in Prescott, Arizona, to Mike and Mary (Stanley) Williams. Although the family lived in Bagdad, Arizona, the town had no hospital at the time, so he was delivered at the old hospital on McCormick Street in Prescott.

Mike graduated from Bagdad High School and went to work at the Bagdad Copper Mine. In October 1968, he was drafted, but after a memorable “meeting” with friends, he and seven others decided together to enlist in the U.S. Army through the Phoenix recruiter’s office. He completed basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he trained as a Helicopter Maintenance Crew Chief. During this period, he also became part of an experimental crew trained to fly helicopters as a backup to the pilots. In September 1969, while stationed at Fort Bliss, Mike married Donna Burch.

During his military service, Mike flew extensively across Europe and Southeast Asia, often aboard gunships. In 1971, he sustained injuries in a helicopter crash, yet continued his service with resilience and dedication.

Following his military career, Mike entered law enforcement in 1973. He began with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office in Seligman, patrolling the county before becoming a detective. In 1977, he moved to Hotchkiss, Colorado, where he served as Chief of Police until 1990.

Mike returned to Arizona in 1990, settling in Chino Valley. He resumed work at Bagdad Mines, where he remained for 27 years until his retirement.

In 2017, Mike met Tawny Lynn Dunham Kite, whom he lovingly called “the love of my life.” They married in 2018 and built their life together in Chino Valley.

Mike is survived by his wife Tawny; son Mike and daughter-in-law Samantha; daughter Kelly and son-in-law Bob Bogart; son-in-law Brian Kite and his wife Kelly; sister Patricia Lee; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

Those who knew Mike will remember him as a kind and generous man who never met a stranger. He was loyal, steadfast, and deeply devoted to his family. Of all his titles and accomplishments, “Papa” was the one he cherished most.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated medical staff who provided exceptional care, as well as to the teams at the Community Living Center, hospice, and the Veterans Affairs for their unwavering support and compassion. Your kindness, respect, and dignity shown during this journey will never be forgotten.