Carl Williams

1944 - 2025

Carl "Rick" Williams, 81, of Grover Beach, passed away November 12, 2025, in San Luis Obispo.

Rick was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma on March 25, 1944. He grew up in Southern California with his parents, Dick and Jean Williams, sister Melody, and brother Pat. At an early age, he took an interest in hunting for small game, and fishing Newport Back Bay with his friends. In his late teens, his interests expanded to surfing and hot rod cars.

He served with the US Army (198th Brigade - Americal Division) in Vietnam from 1967 to Oct 1968.

He moved to the Central Coast in the early 1970's and worked for a small company building boats using his welding skills. He later entered the Pipe Trades as a welder and pipefitter. He worked for many years building Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. He worked for short periods at San Onofre Nuclear Plant, a refinery at Richmond, a plant for Intel in Arizona, the rocket launch facilities at Vandenberg AFB, and the California Water Project. He was well respected in the Trades and was a skilled troubleshooter. He also taught welding at a Trades school.

Rick enjoyed living at the beach for more than 50 years. He loved the ocean and boating. There were many trips to Mexico, often with his boat, to enjoy deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, and searching for the best street tacos. He loved camping with his family. In later years, he regularly drove on the beach, meeting up with friends and enjoying bonfires.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lori Williams of Grover Beach; his son, Taylor (Maria) Williams of Victorville; his son, Danny Williams of Santa Cruz; his sister, Melody Alcala of Shell Beach; his sister-in-law, Gail Williams of Shell Beach.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard J. and Laura Jean Williams, his brother Patrick M. Williams, and brother-in-law Rudy Alcala.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 5th at Los Osos Valley Memorial Park, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Arroyo Grande Portuguese Hall (707 Huasna Rd).