Ronald David Williams “Dave”, 82, passed away peacefully at 8:10 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born May 10, 1944, in Clay, Kentucky, the son of Ora Stanford Williams and Mary Catherine “Woody” (Woodring) Williams and grew up with many brothers and sisters. He moved to Illinois several years later and began his career by working as a brick mason and was a member of the Brick Layers Union for many years before becoming a heavy equipment operator, belonging to the Local Union IUOE 318 in Marion, mainly operating a backhoe. He was known for his backhoe skills as many said he was the “best there ever was.” Dave was also a member of the Frankfort Lodge #567 A.F. & A.M. of West Frankfort.
Dave was a devoted husband, father, and paw paw. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Debbie Williams and their 4 girls; Kelly (Brian) Bishop, Sandy (Steve) Browning, Chrissy (Andy) Woods, and Sherry (Evan) Owens. Dave had several grandkids that were the absolute light of his life; Jordan (Brandon) Evrard, Paris (Macyn) Dunk, Tyler Owens, Caleb Bishop, Sydney Browning, Eldon Owens, Ember Milby, Noah Bishop, Emma Milby, Grant Owens, and Brendon Bishop. Great grandkids; Madalyn and Emmy Evrard, Scottie and Atlas Dunk, and Briggston and Kampbell Bishop.
Dave is also survived by his siblings; Stanley (Jean Ann) Williams and Rita (Kevin) Arcieri and several nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his mother and father “Woody” and “Stan”, brother Guy Williams, brother Jimmy Fones, sister Jeanita Spillman, brother Terry Williams, and brother Andy Williams.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, where Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery of Ewing, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Dave, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
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