Obituary of Paul Williams

Paul Eugene (Gene) Williams, 95, of Eugene passed away May 31, 2013. He was born Sept. 24, 1917 in Indiana to Daniel Webster and Etta Mae Williams, third child of eight. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Margaret (Peggy) H. Wonderly, married July 20, 1940 in Pennsylvania.Gene is also survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Stanley of Liberty SC, Caroline Duckworth of Upland IN, his three children and their spouses, Paul L. Williams (Janet), Ruth Ann Perrott (Rick) of Eugene, and Thaya M. Howard (Stanley) of Casa Grande, AZ, six grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren. His parents, sisters Ruth Baker, Bernice Bailey, brothers Edwin, Bill and Wesley Williams, and one grandchild, Jeffrey Howard preceded him in death.Although the family has been longtime residents of Eugene, they started out in Indiana, migrating west by way of driving a school bus out from the factory. Gene settled in the Bethel area, became a volunteer fireman and member of Bethel Christian Church. Gene then fell in love with a setting on a hill in the Crow area, and built a beautiful home under a big oak tree. The house in the country became a popular spot for many 4th of July picnics and other gatherings. Gene went back to his farming roots with chickens and vegetables.Gene’s main livelihood was home building and remodeling, and he took great pride in his work. Many beautifully crafted homes remain in the Eugene area, as well as other building projects including a church, a bank and several businesses in Creswell. Being an idea man there were many ventures he embarked upon. Businesses included The Candle Shop, Williams Food Co., a computer furniture start-up, and real estate. Friends always had projects he helped with, and in his spare time he painted beautiful oil paintings, created stained glass, took up upholstery, built an organ and taught himself how to read music and play. Gene believed that a person could do anything they set their mind to and proved it.The family wishes to extend gratitude to the staffs of McKenzie Willamette Hospital, Valley West, Quail Park Memory Care, and Signature hospice for their support in his final months.Private graveside service only, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Signature Hospice.Condolences may be made at www.musgroves.com