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William Williams Obituary

William Gray Williams

1937 ~ 2026

William G. Williams, 88, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away after a life defined by resilience, redemption, and generosity. Born in 1937 in Salt Lake City, Bill was a proud Utahn and the grandson of General William G. Williams, for whom Camp Williams is named.

After overcoming alcoholism, Bill lived the last 52 years of his life sober-something he considered one of his greatest accomplishments. He quietly helped many others find the same path, offering encouragement, honesty, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that only comes from walking through life's toughest battles.

Bill spent more than five decades in the automotive industry, building a successful career and lifelong friendships. He believed deeply in integrity, often saying that a handshake should mean something.

He loved hot rods, classic cars, his Harley, all of his labradors and a good round of golf. Tough as nails with a sharp sense of humor, Bill was also deeply generous and fiercely loyal to the people he cared about.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Luana Williams; daughters Sherri Candland (Delaney and Lulu) and Deborah Hoffler (Allie and Will).

Bill often reminded those around him that when life gets tough, sometimes you simply have to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and keep moving forward.

A celebration of Bill's life will be on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Willow Creek Country Club, 8505 Willow Creek Drive, Sandy. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please share your memories with his family at www.starksfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bill's name to a local animal shelter of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from Mar. 10 to Mar. 15, 2026.

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2 Entries

Judi Burnes

March 24, 2026

My name is Judi Burnes; my husband, Jerry Kipper was a very good friend and business associate of Bill and my son, Kyle Kipper was associated with Bill through business connections. As for me, Bill was a dear friend, someone who could make me laugh so hard it was almost embarrassing. Our family knew Bill for over 60 years, through the days of Jerry & Bill riding their motorcycles, and falling off their motorcycles so many times, we were on first name basis with the Northridge Hospital's emergency doctors. Bill was convinced I almost caused him to loose his foot because I put a heating pad on it instead of ice to reduce swelling. It's difficult to find the right words to explain how his passing will affect me going forward in a world that doesn't include Bill. I want to extend our love and condolences to Luanna, Debbie and Sherry with hope that your memories will fill the empty places in your hearts and life. Please know that Bill was a dear friend, trusted business associate and will be sorely missed.

Steve Brophy

March 11, 2026

Sherri and Family,
Sorry to hear about your dad's passing. "Million Dollar Bill" and I only crossed paths a few times, but everyone who did came away knowing he was quite a unique character and a good man. All the best to you and your family during this difficult time.

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Memorial Events
for William Williams

Mar

21

Celebration of Life

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Willow Creek Country Club

8505 Willow Creek Drive, Sandy, UT

Funeral services provided by:

Starks Funeral Parlor

3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

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