Gene Williams

Obituary Gene L. Williams, 91, died peacefully on August 8, 2005 at his home at The Weatherly Inn, Tacoma, WA. He was born in Portland, OR and grew up in Caruthers, CA, moved to Tacoma where he graduated from Stadium High School at 16 and then went on to attend the University of Puget Sound. Gene worked in the produce business most of his life starting at Williams Bros. before joining Russell Ward Brokerage Co. in Seattle. He finished his career with West Coast Fruit and Produce, retiring in 1978. Gene was a voracious reader of both books and the daily newspaper. He was an avid baseball fan, a wry observer of politics and had a passion for traveling both in the U.S. and abroad with his wife Rosemarie. Gene was also a life member of the Tacoma Elks Lodge #174. Gene is survived by his second wife of 23 years, Rosemarie Pupo Williams, children Ralph (Sherri) Williams, Dallas TX; Kay (David) Walters, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; stepdaughter Christine (Bill) Schmechel, Tacoma, and grandchildren Stephen, Thomas, Veronica, Gretchen and Gail. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years, Veronica Vargo Williams, in 1981. Family graveside services will be held Monday, August 15, 2005 with interment at Calvary Cemetery. Viewing will be all day Sunday, August 14, 2005 at the funeral home. Family and friends are invited to a reception and celebration on Monday, August 15, 2005 at 2:30 PM at The Weatherly Inn. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.