W. Ray Williams joined the Church Triumphant on March 19, 2023, at 6:26 PM. We envision him joining a golf club and playing Golf in heavenly foursomes. Here on this earth, Ray was a son, brother, sports enthusiast, Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, electrical engineer, gardener, fisherman, and friend.

Born May 24, 1939, in McNary, Arizona, Ray attended elementary and secondary school in Flagstaff, Arizona. His intelligence and academic aptitude were further realized when Ray achieved ranking as the #1 math student in the state of Arizona. Although he was considered the "underdog", he won the state high school math competition twice (including as a junior competing against seniors). In addition to academic recognitions, Ray loved and excelled in sports. After high school, he enlisted and spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon honorably completing military service, he enrolled at Northern Arizona University for two years before transferring to and graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.

In his capacity as an electrical engineer, Ray experienced success and personal satisfaction. He was the first African American engineer at Motorola, Inc. in Arizona, and made valuable contributions throughout his work as an individual contributor, project leader, mid-level management, and Executive Assistant to a high-profile Company President. Over the course of his four-decade career, Ray received many awards and accolades. He joyfully retired in 1995.

Son of the late J.W. and Ollie Williams, Ray is preceded in death by brothers, Johnny (Betty - also deceased), James (Bettye), Charles (Loretta), Melton and Ernest (Gertha). Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pearl, daughters Daphne Payton (Kenneth) and Traci Williams-Marks (Terry), brother Jesse Williams (Wiley), sisters-in-law Theola Carrethers and Janice Williams, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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