Wayne Gene Williams

Wayne Gene Williams

1934 - 2025

Provo, Utah - Wayne Gene Williams returned home through the veil to his eternal sweetheart, beloved family members, and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 13, 2025. Born October 10, 1934, in Preston, Idaho, to Harriett McGregor and John Thomas Williams, Jr., Wayne was loved and admired for his fun-loving personality, his integrity, his insight into overcoming life's challenges, his unwavering faith, and his deep love for his family.

Wayne spent his early years on the family farm situated along the Bear River in the little town of Mound Valley, Idaho. He was educated in a two-room schoolhouse, and when not in school, he roamed the property, helped with the chores, and created his share of mischief alongside his twin brother, Blaine. Those were fun and active years, filled with many adventures.

Shortly after Wayne turned eight years old, his father was tragically killed in a hunting accident and life was turned upside down. The fun-loving days of his childhood became days filled with the work of men: chopping wood, milking cows, feeding livestock and stacking hay. These years laid the foundation for the incredible work ethic Wayne was known for throughout the rest of his life.

After two years of running the farm, Wayne's mother moved the family to San Diego, California, to be near her sister. San Diego, and their new home in a government housing project, was an entirely different world for Wayne, but it toughened him up, exposed him to new cultures, religions, educational opportunities, and all the makings of a big city, not to mention the beautiful beaches and a particular young woman he came to love.

By Wayne's account, when he met Sylvia Willardson in his Sunday school class during their early teens, it was love at first sight... for him, but not her. They dated throughout high school and college, during which time Wayne began working for Sears, Roebuck and Co. for $1.00/hour and proved himself a capable stock boy and excellent salesman. Sylvia accepted Wayne's proposal and they were married and sealed in the Los Angeles temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 6, 1956. Wayne's life was changing again in all the best ways.

Wayne's career path with Sears took the family to Fresno, California, and then Chicago, Illinois, where he climbed the corporate ladder to become a Vice President/Senior Executive. During his career, Wayne was awarded numerous, prestigious promotions, awards and accolades from Sears and other organizations throughout the United States and in various parts of the world. He was known as the gunslinger for Sears because of his aptitude for solving problems and turning struggling departments into successes. Wayne brought his farm work ethic to the big city and was rewarded for it, time and again.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wayne was a faithful and reliable leader of young men, adult men, and entire congregations. He was humble and determined in teaching the gospel, serving on welfare farms, guiding the youth, taking care of the needy, and helping others turn their lives around. After retirement, he and Sylvia served as senior missionaries in South Salt Lake City, Utah, and as temple workers in San Diego, California, and Draper, Utah.

Wayne loved to play basketball and softball, and enjoyed tennis, golf, bodysurfing, and fishing. He was an avid reader and traveler, planned wonderful family vacations, and was thrilled to show Sylvia the world he experienced while traveling for Sears. Throughout his adult life, he simultaneously worked with celebrities and served the needy. He never forgot the challenges of his youth. They lit the fire inside him to succeed and the compassion for those in need. He corresponded with government and church leaders, never hesitating to share his opinions as well as his appreciation, and was driven to make a change in the world, however he could. He taught his children and grandchildren, "Never dip your colors," and lived that principle every day of his life. Without question, of all he achieved, Wayne would proudly claim his family to be his greatest, most beloved accomplishment and could rarely speak of his love for them without tears. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Wayne is survived by his children, Diana (Garry) Pace, Brent (Debra) Williams, Christopher (Teresa) Williams, and Karen Williams; 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and his siblings, Blaine (Peggy) Williams, and Kent (Deanne) Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Harriett Williams, his wife, Sylvia Williams, his son, Jon (Rochelle) Williams, and his great-granddaughter, Lila Williams.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 12:00 pm at the Anderson and Sons Mortuary, 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, Utah. Family and friends may visit that morning from 10:45-11:45 am prior to the services. Interment will follow at the Highland City Cemetery, 6300 West 11000 North, Highland.

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