"Smoke" Obituary (1952 - 2022)

Smoke passed on the morning of Wednesday, October 12, 2022. He fought stage-four lung cancer for 10 months. He fought hard and even near the end, he refused to give up. That was Smoke, "Never surrender"! Smoke was born in Wyandotte, Michigan on Oct 24, 1952, to Ralph Sr. and June Williams. He was the younger brother of Ralph Jr. and older brother to Don. Smoke's family moved from Michigan to Burbank, California in 1963. In 1968, his family moved to Riverside, California where he graduated from Rubidoux High School in 1970. It was there that Smoke met his eventual bride-to-be, Debbie Swartz. Shortly after high school, Smoke and Deb were married. Not long afterwards, Smoke joined the United States Air Force and served overseas in Thailand and Guam from 1970 to 1974. During his time in the service Smoke and Deb welcomed their one and only daughter, Chrissy, who was always the twinkle in his eyes. Smoke, Deb and Chrissy lived in Sacramento, CA until 1979 when they relocated to Marysville, WA. They lived in Marysville for 15 years until 1994 when Smoke and Deb relocated to Tolar, TX and ultimately retired to League City, TX for them to be closer to the water which they loved so much. In December 2019, Smoke and Deb became full-time liveaboards on their "Happy Ours" cruiser. In February 2021 they set out on the adventure of a lifetime and made the Gulf of Mexico and the Intercoastal Waterway their new domain. Their dream trip took them from League City Texas in Galveston Bay, all the way to Stuart on the east coast of Florida. For more than five months every night was spent under the stars. Nothing was more spectacular than those nights anchored out in the Gulf of Mexico. Nothing but stars, ocean, Smoke and Deb. Smoke had several passions in life which included his family, friends, boating and music. He was a proud husband, father, brother, grandpa, and uncle. He had a lifelong passion for the water, serving as the District 21 Commander for the U.S. Power Squadron in Ft. Worth, TX and never turned down an opportunity to be out on his boat. Smoke was also a VFW Post Commander in Granbury, TX. There was never a place Smoke would visit where he didn't have or make a friend. He simply had a passion for meeting people. His smile was infectious and was always willing to lend a hand to help anyone. Music was a huge part of Smoke's life as well. He enjoyed spending time in his music room playing the guitar or sax and occasionally playing to or singing for a group of his friends. Smoke was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Williams Sr., and June Williams. Surviving him are his high school sweetheart and wife of 51+ years, Deb Williams of League City, TX., his daughter Chrissy and her husband, Chris Tetlow of Cheyenne, WY. His eldest brother, Ralph Williams Jr. and Louanne Williams of Grapevine, TX, his younger brother Don and Mardel Williams, of Lubbock, TX, In Laws Donna and Paul Marshman of CA and Richard Swartz of CA. Grandchildren, Justin Tetlow of AZ and Keri Tetlow of WY. Nephews and Nieces, Ralph Williams III, Jesse and Morgan Williams, Ryan Williams, Casey Williams all of TX, and Jason and Laura Williams of FL, Regina and Jeff Tatro of WA, Kelli Stone, Brian Marshman and Jeff Marshman all of CA. Additionally, Smoke is survived by numerous great nephews and nieces. Celebrations of Life to follow in League City and Ft. Worth, Texas. Timing of both events will be made available after the new year.