George Williams Obituary

Williams, George Bennett 79, Clinton, IL, died at 2:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at Manor Court, Clinton, IL. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 7, 2011 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Clinton, IL, with Rev. Fr. James Henning officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL at a later date. Visitation will be Thursday evening, January 6, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL. Memorials may be made to Clinton Community Education Foundation or St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Clinton. George was born September 1, 1931 in Tallahassee, FL, the son of Dyke Vernon and Louise King Williams. He was raised in Quincy, IL where he graduated from Notre Dame High School. He received his bachelors degree at Utah State University and his masters degree from SIU. He married Angela Ramirez on June 5, 1959 at Murphysboro, IL. Angie, his wife of 51 years, survives. Surviving also are three children: Mary Lou (Jay) Pedro of Gilbert, AZ, John B. Williams of London, England, and Joseph C. Williams of Oakland, CA; one grandson: Ben Pedro of Gilbert, AZ. George was preceded in death by his parents. George taught in the High School for 38 years and coached football and basketball for 20 years. He was a member of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Clinton; the Elks Club, American Legion, Knights of Columbus and the U of I Dads Association. He also was a member of the Logan-DeWitt retired teachers assoc, SIU Alumni and is an enrolled tribal member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1955 as a firefighter in the crash crew division. George and his wife Angie owned the "Indian Mound" from 1975 to 2008. They enjoyed selling Indian crafts and jewelry during summer months. George dearly loved his grandson Ben, his pride and joy for 13 years. The family wishes to convey their thanks to all the staff members of Liberty Village for Georges ever loving care.