Guy Williams, age 87 of Benton passed away peacefully in his sleep at 9:54 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
He married Jan Marie Malkovich on May 6, 1967, had two children, and remained together until her death in 2009. He looked forward to seeing her again.
Guy was born August 26, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana to Sadie Irene Cavins and Ora Stanford Williams. He had three siblings; Norma Irene, Fern Evelyn, and Gary Richard, all of which preceded him in death.
In 1955, Guy relocated to Sesser, Illinois where he was blessed with a second family; his siblings also included brothers Stanley, David, Andy, and Terry, sisters Jeanita and Rita, and stepmother Mary (Woody).
Guy served honorably in the United States Navy as a gunner’s mate attached to the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was able to travel the world, was proud of his service, and continued until his death to share sea stories with whomever would listen.
Guy was a bricklayer and was introduced to the profession by his father, Uncle Clifford, and cousin Tom. He was a 50-year member of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local #8. A true tradesman, he worked on countless sites around the region which provided a huge canvas to show off his work. His enthusiasm and lifelong study of the trade led to frequent talks with coworkers who eventually bestowed on him the nickname “professor” while building the Big Muddy Prison.
Guy’s love of golf was legendary and was formed when as a kid he began working as a caddy at Helfrich Golf Course in Evansville, Indiana. He was a member for many years at the Rend Lake Golf Course. Some of his fondest memories included being a part of Rend Lake’s men’s league and taking golf trips with family and friends to Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
Guy is survived by his children; Gary Williams and wife Lauren Bonner, granddaughters Mimi and Joni; Gyla and Mike Myers, granddaughters Lauren and Lola; siblings, Stanley and wife Jean Ann Williams; David and wife Debbie Williams; and Rita and husband Kevin Acieri; brothers-in-law John and wife Tracey Malkovich; Mark and wife Apryl Malkovich; and Tom and wife Eileen Malkovich. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Guy’s final wish was to be cremated. There are no plans for a memorial service at this time.
The Leffler Funeral Home, in Benton, is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
The family prefers memorial contributions in memory of Guy Williams be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Guy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.