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BORN
1941
DIED
2021
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Ronald Williams Obituary
Ronald L. Williams
1941 - 2021
MURPHYSBORO - Ronald L. Williams, 79, of Murphysboro, passed away at his residence in Murphysboro, Illinois, on Friday, July 2, 2021. Ron was born on October 30, 1941, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Oren L. and Ruby Irene (Patterson) Williams. He married the love of his life, Eileen Karch on November 29, 1980 and she survives.
He leaves behind his sister Sandra Wilson; six daughters: Merle Taylor and husband Virgil, Ronda Williams and partner Joe West, Jennifer Earls and husband Tony, Mary Schanzle-Stack and husband Greg, Carolyn Leftridge and husband Brian, and Beth Richardson; ten grandchildren: Ben Gordon, Aaron (Brandy) Taylor, Madison (Phillip) Glodo, Heather Williams, Eben (Francesca) Brooks, Cameron (Charlotte) Tucker, Elisha Richardson, Elexis Richardson, Brady LeGrand, and Josephine Earls; and four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. All of these he loved deeply.
He is preceded in death by his son, Joseph Lee Williams and grandson, Payton Joseph LeGrand.
Ronald was a U.S. Air Force Veteran who served during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also was a member of the Paul Stout American Legion Post # 127.
Ron worked at several places in the area; he was a regional manager for both the former Grandpa John's and the Marion Pepsi Corp; he was an owner of Fredrick J's and City Wide Maintenance; and worked as a manager at Sears in Electronics and Appliances.
Known for his positive outlook and servant heart, he served as a Murphysboro Alderman and then, from 2000 until 2012, as Mayor of Murphysboro. Mr. Williams received the "Citizen of the Year" of Murphysboro in 2013. His desire to serve the community and the fact that he has "never met a stranger" led him to work for many years at the First Bank and Trust of Murphysboro, from where he retired in 2018.
Visitation will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday with a memorial mass at the church held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be at St. Andrew Cemetery with Military Services conducted by the Paul Stout American Legion Post # 127.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Murphysboro Food Pantry or the Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc.
For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Williams
Sponsored by CLOSED-Pettett Funeral Home.
3 Entries
Karl & Nancy Fraley
July 8, 2021
When I first met Ron at the bank with my husband, He was so polite. I always would run into him in the bank or on the street,he always was very polite. He was a great mayor.RIP Ron ,prayers for the family, you will be greatly missed.
Kevin & Sandy Klaine
July 8, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to you, Eileen, on Ron´s passing. We always loved talking to him at Church. He was such a nice man & a true gentleman. May God´s peace be with you & comfort you during this difficult time.
Julie and Burl Johnson
July 7, 2021
And ye know now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. John 16:22
We are so sorry to hear of Ron´s passing. May our Lord Jesus comfort your hearts and keep you in his care. Amen.
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