Joseph Charles Williams

Joseph Charles Williams passed away on May 4, 2012 at Regional Hospital in Tukwila Washington. Joe was born to James and May Barnett Williams August 29, 1935 in Starbuck Washington. Joe 's father died when he was only eight years old and his mother married Grover Porter whom he knew as Dad Porter. As a teenager Joe worked on local ranches for Dick Jackson and Henry Snow. He also worked for Nae and Ruth Turner running Lyons Ferry. Whether it was working, hunting, fishing, baseball or basketball, Joe was always on the move, which earned him the nickname Go-fer. Joe graduated from Starbuck High School where pitched baseball for the only district tournament that Starbuck ever won. Joe was a referee for nearly 30 years. Joe loved sports, especially basketball.

Joe joined the U.S. Army shortly after high school and served two years. After discharge from the military Joe met the love of his life, Doris Hays of Waitsburg. Joe and Doris were married in Mabton Washington on February 1, 1957. They had one son, David. Joe had a way with people and soon found his niche in sales. Over the years he worked for Frito Lay, Nestles, and Hills Brothers. His work took him from Walla Walla to Montana, to Yakima, and finally to the Tacoma area where he was a top sales representative for the Nestles company. Joe's life took a dramatic turn when his wife Doris suddenly passed away in 1991. He missed her every day for the rest of his life. Joe retired in 2003. After retirement Joe spent time with his son David, whom he loved to watch drag race and restore classic rods.

Joe lost his oldest brother James in the navy and knew the risk faced by every military serviceman. To show his gratitude, Joe and his coffee buddies started holding "support our troop" rallies. Joe could often be seen waving signs along major traffic routes near Fort Lewis wearing his signature red, white and blue suspenders. Joe was an active member of the Washington state big game council, the Pierce County Sportsman's Council, the Tacoma Poggie Club, and Washingtonians for Wildlife. Joe lobbied to create bills which supported hunting and fishing rights for disabled citizens. Joe was passionate about local politics and actively campaigned for his candidates. Joe always said if you don't get involved, don't criticize. Joe was an avid sportsman and enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with his friend Bill Turner of Dayton.

The past couple of years Joe had a special friend, Ellie. They made jewelry and traded at local farmers markets, enjoying camping and visiting with people along the way.

As Joe's health failed his favorite companion was Maggie, his Chihuahua, which spent many long days curled up with Joe inside his jacket. Joe was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in December of 2011. He will be greatly missed.

Joe is survived by his son David (Chris) of Spanaway Washington, sisters, Ida Shearer of Starbuck, Irene Macomber of Walla Walla, stepsisters Norma Fletcher of Lewiston, and Jody Bell of Dayton, Brothers , George (Lawana) Porter and Malvin Porter of Walla Walla, and numerous nieces and special nephews Mace and Aller Matheny of Starbuck. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Doris, sister Mildred Aichlmayr, stepsisters Wilma Fletcher, and Rosalind Matheny and brothers James and Claude Williams.

A potluck celebration of Joe's life will be held in Starbuck on May 26 at the old Zink Store building at 12:00. For those of you traveling from Walla Walla and Waitsburg, the bridge is out at Starbuck; you will have to route through Dayton. A private internment will be in the Waitsburg Cemetery.