Raymond Oscar Williams, 69

Raymond Oscar Williams, 69, "was called home to the Lord" on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007.

Raymond was born Dec. 4, 1937, in Great Falls to Harry and Thelma Williams. He was the second of four boys. Raymond loved his brothers and told many memorable stories of their childhood together. He attended and graduated from Big Sandy High School, where he loved playing football and basketball. After graduation he went into the military. While in the Army, he met his true love, Michele.

On June 1, 1963, they started their lifetime together. Raymond and Michele moved to their first home outside of Geraldine. While at this home, two daughters were born. In 1967, Raymond moved his family back to Big Sandy, where four more children entered his life. Farming and ranching kept him very busy, of the two Raymond loved raising his cattle the most. He enjoyed working on all kinds of vehicles. That is why it was no surprise when he built the first modified truck in Montana. He took his family all across Montana, Wyoming and Canada, and he even competed in the Super Dome in Seattle.

In 1984, he and his family moved to the Flathead Valley, where they eventually ended up on Spoon Lake. The Evergreen Motel and Cabins became the next adventure for Raymond and Michele. He loved meeting all kinds of people and sharing stories with them.

Raymond was a great husband and the best father you could ask for. To Raymond, his family was truly his whole life.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Thelma Williams.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Michele. All of his six children and their spouses: daughter, Angela and husband, Chris Burtchett, of Geraldine; daughter, Rachelle and husband, K.C. Johnson, of Columbia Falls; daughter, Gina and husband, Bob Turner, of Columbia Falls; son, T.R. and wife, Tammy Williams, of Phoenix; daughter, Sophia and husband, Bob Wells, of Kalispell; son, Michael and wife, Cozy Williams, of Corman. He adored all 15 grandchildren, Cory, Alicia, Courtney, and Raymi Burchett, Abbey and Rusty Johnson, Weston, Dannah, Kolton, and Keaton Turner, Nevaeh Williams, Rory and Sammy Jo Wells, Trace and Trent Williams; his brothers, Roger, Robert and Randy Williams, and their families, of Big Sandy; and many more friends and relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the Fellowship Alliance Church, 1025 Seventh Ave. W., in Columbia Falls.