Lewis Clifford Williams, known affectionately as Lew to his friends and family, lived a life that was a testament to the power of love, faith, and relentless optimism. He was born on July 29, 1926, in Port Orchard, Washington to Lawrence and Elise Williams. He has two siblings Florence Riley (deceased) and Daniel Williams. Lew's journey through life was one marked by devotion, learning, and an unwavering commitment to his loved ones. On December 8, 2024, at the grand age of 98, Lew passed away peacefully in Gilbert, Arizona, surrounded by the family he cherished, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and inspiration.
Lew's life was a shared journey with his beloved wife, Twila Williams. Together, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on November 25, 2024, a milestone that speaks volumes about their enduring partnership and mutual adoration. Their love blossomed into a vibrant family tree, with children Larry (Melanie), Neal (Domonique), Laura (Anthony), and Nathan (Leslie). The joy of their union was multiplied with the arrival of 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, each of whom added a unique sparkle to Lew's eye.
An eternal student at heart, Lew's thirst for knowledge was insatiable. His educational journey didn't end with formal schooling; he was a lifelong learner who reveled in the pursuit of wisdom and eagerly shared his insights with others. At the age of 27, Lew embraced the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which became a cornerstone of his existence. His dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ was reflected in every aspect of his life. Lew and Twila's commitment to their faith was evident as they served as temple workers in the Mesa and Snowflake temples for 20 years. They also dedicated time to serve a mission in the Richmond Virginia Mission. Lew truly believed, as Helen Keller once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."
Lew's professional life was marked by a remarkable 71-year tenure with Beneficial Life Insurance Company, from which he retired at the age of 98. His expertise and integrity also led him to serve as an insurance broker for other agencies, guiding countless individuals and families towards financial security with his deep knowledge and genuine care.
Beyond his professional and spiritual endeavors, Lew was a man of diverse interests. He had a passion for reciting poetry, which he did with a rhythm and cadence that brought words to life. An avid outdoorsman, he found solace in fishing, snow skiing, camping, and cutting firewood. His love for the natural world was only paralleled by his commitment to missionary work and the joy he derived from spending time with his family.
Lew was the embodiment of loving kindness and an eternal optimist who saw the good in every situation and person. His life was a reflection of his favorite maxim, "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence," a sentiment echoed by Helen Keller and lived by Lew every single day.
As we remember Lewis Clifford Williams, we celebrate a life that was rich in experiences and abundant in love. He was a beacon of light for all who knew him, radiating positivity and grace. Let us honor Lew's memory by embracing the values he held dear: love unconditionally, learn continuously, and live optimistically. Lew's journey on this earth may have concluded, but the ripples of his influence continue to inspire and uplift us all.
We invite you to celebrate his life and legacy of love on Saturday, December 21st, at 11 a.m. The service will be held at the LDS Love Lake Chapel, located at 301 Love Lake Rd, Taylor, AZ. A viewing will take place at 10 a.m.
Following the service, he will be laid to rest at the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery.
If you are unable to attend in person, please join us on Zoom.
https://tula-health.zoom.us/j/6496586956?pwd=mV8Go5Lzb0mNaEb0dAD4HxwqgxamMC.1&omn=86724870466
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