Raymond Williams, age 86, of Broadus passed away on October 17, 2020.
Raymond was born May 13th, 1934 at the family homestead near Ridge, Montana to Walter and Lucinda (Hurley) Williams. He was the oldest of twelve children. He attended Wright Creek School through the eighth grade, that being the longest they could keep him in a school room. He started working as a ranch hand and sometimes sheep herder on ranches in Montana and Wyoming to help support the family. He was instrumental in helping raise his younger brothers and sisters. On August 29, 1953 he married Evelyn Richards in Belle Fourche, SD. He was drafted into the United States Army in May of 1954. During his time in the service he was stationed in California, Washington and Germany until his discharge in 1956. He returned to ranching after the service again working on ranches in Montana and Wyoming. Edward Lanning, Bert Kaufman. Charlie Moore, Les and Walt Crago were some of the main operations he put his cowboy skills to work. A good share of these years were spent in Colony, Wyoming when Raymond and Evelyn raised their family of seven. Those were good years for everyone, good friends and great neighbors, and a great community to raise a family. In 1974 he decided to move the family to Belle Creek, Montana on a ranch and later began working for Gary Energy in the oilfield. Again, they joined a great community and made many more great friends. There was never a time in his life that he wasn’t horseback, from a very young age until just last year. Ray broke a lot of horses and owned many good horses, most of them being self-made. He passed his knowledge, love for horses and skills on to his sons and grandkids. Ray loved kids, especially his grandkids and enjoyed watching them follow in his footsteps and excel in the western way of life. Roping was a true passion for him, if he was not in the arena roping with his boys, he was watching them rope and rodeo. He also got to watch the next generation, his grandkids and most recently his great grandkids. Ray had a nickname for some of us and eventually ended up with one of his own. He was known as Grandpa Ray and earned the title Papa Naughty from a great grandson about twenty years ago for twisting his ears until they were red, pretending they were motorcycle handles. It seemed to be very fitting for him.
This is not goodbye Dad….we will see you later. You have traded in your spurs for angel wings. You have left a legacy that will live on for a long time. Just know that like the song says, we thought you walked on water.
Raymond was survived by his wife Evelyn of 67 years, seven children: Evelyn (Tink) Portwine, Debra (Rich) Edwards, Sonia Clements (Scott Sanburn), Raymond (Bud) (Sandy) Williams , Ramona (Mark) White, Zane (Juanita) Williams and Michael (Sheila) Williams; 31 Grandkids: Billie (Kent ) Bovard, Greg (Stacy) Portwine, Jodi (Paul) Cowan, Beau (Shellie) Portwine, Guy (Anna) Edwards, Amanda (Thuy) Edwards, Lexie (Hank) Burgess, Buddi (Dwayne)Anderson, Austin (Rikki) Clements, Micky Culey, Erin (Jenny) Sanburn, Jamie (Travis ) Kay, Ashley (Radley) Day, Kori Williams, Taylor (Joey) Williams, Mickie (Max) Davis, Megan (Jason) Prewitt, Kelley Portwine, Shelby (Brandon) Robertus, Britt (Kaila) Williams, Brady (Brittney) Williams, Branda (Clay) Gruel, Wyatt Williams , Witt (Laiten) Williams, Wrye Williams, Cole Earley, Logan Earley, Hannah Herzog, Rachel Rasmussen, Josh Rasmussen and Rebekah Rasmussen; 46 great Grandkids: Elliot, Bailey, Maddie, Kiersten, Lainey, Jaylee, Ryane, Taylin, Markus, Emily, Tucker, Rochelle, Chance, Aiden, Ethan, Ainsley, Kennedy, Claire, Cavin, Derric, Jayd, Garrett, Hudson, Kyler, Kolton, Peyton, Landon, Carson, Dalton (Sara), Tyler, Hannah, Cooper, Colby, Tank, Axton, Banx, Brady, Parker, Presley, Steeley, Hank, Perri, Blaise, Rhett, Tilden, Tenley; two brothers: Homer (Donna) Williams and Lee (Nancy) Williams; four sisters: June Sizemore, Katherine Hernandez, Penny Williams and Joy Siaz; a brother-in-law George Rosales; and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, sisters: Yvonne, Ann and Nyla; brothers: Bruce and infant brother Clinton; and two sons-in-law: Bill (Skipper) Portwine and Mark Portwine.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Williams family.
Telisa Williams says
I love you all very much!
Ern,Esther ,Terry Nelson says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers . God be with you and comfort you..
Laurie Janssen Claypool and family says
To Ray’s families, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Sending our thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏 to you all at this time!
Mike & Peggy Johnson says
Our deepest condolences and prayers to the Williams family.
So, Sorry, To hear about the passing of your dad. He will be missed greatly sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Uncle Raymond.
SALLY A. BORLA says
So sad to hear about the loss of my dear neighbor and friend. I got to Raymond very well when he and Evelyn moved next door to me some years ago. He would never think of just moving his grass, he always came over and took care of mine. My heart goes out to Evelyn, all his many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be missed by many but know he has a special place in Heaven. GOD BLESS THE FAMILY AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF YOU.
Ken and Pat Jones says
Our thoughts and prayers for the family.
Dave and Lisa Tescher says
Rest In Peace Raymond. Heaven is blessed to have you. Our prayers for peace to everyone.
Tom and Judy Collins. says
We were very sorry to hear about Ray. Thinking of you, Evelyn, and the rest of your family.
Sonny Lockwood & Sandy Stahl says
Our thoughts are with all of Raymond’s family.
Luanda Taylor says
Thoughts and prayers for the Williams family, may Raymond rest in peace. Raymond always made me laugh, I’ll never forget his sense of humor.
Pete & Carol Rising says
To the Williams family, sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
Wayne and Shelley Perkins says
So sorry to hear of Raymond’ s passing. We have a lot of great memories of him and your families. May God’s comfort be with you all.
Dee Mobley says
Hugs to you, Evelyn, (when we can)…………
Jim and Kathy Bowers says
So sorry to hear this. Raymond will be enjoying green grassland and riding horses for the Lird in heaven. Blessings to Raymond’s family in this time of sorrow.
Susan Shippy says
Eternal rest grant unto Raymond, Oh, Lord, and let perpetual life shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen
Please accept our sincerest condolences. Blessings on the family.
Bert and Nancy Stoddard says
We will miss a friend and a true cowboy. Sincere condolences to Evelyn and the entire family.
Patricia Franklin says
To all of the family of Raymond, I so sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind. May he Rest In Peace.
Irene Engle says
Thoughts and prayers for Williams families. Hugs Evelyn
Bill and Ann Wetherelt says
A favorite memory has always been from back in the 80s when Tyler was 3 and every time Raymond saw him with his wooden pop gun Raymond would ask if he was hunting alligators. And Tyler was sure that is exactly what he was doing. They both had great conversations about alligator hunting whenever they saw one another. Raymond always had some wisecrack to throw out when he met you. Sincere sympathy to all the family.
Sharon & Nick Cirspinski says
Evelyn and Family,
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed knowing Raymond. He was quiet but a great sense of humor.
Ginger says
Sincere condolences to Evelyn and the whole family. Raymond was a good man with the best sense of humor….no matter who you were, you were going to get a little dose of what he was pitching at the moment; that’s what will stick with me the most in my memories of him.
Linda Hall says
Thoughts and prayers to Evelyn, all the children and their families including one of my nephews and two of my nieces. Raymond always had a smile and I know all of you have special memories.
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
Truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly. Thoughts and prayers for you all!!
Mike and Janie Norlin says
we are sincerely sorry for your loss of Raymond. Saw him and Evelyn at our little grandsons rodeo in Broudus this last summer. Such a great family he and Evelyn raised. We got you all in our thoughts and prayers we are very sorry.
Mike and Janie Norlin
Sherry zimmerschied says
So sorry for your loss..you are still family..I always enjoyed Raymond and Evelyn and their children when we visited..I would sure like to see everyone but am afraid to go out with some of the health risks out there..lots of good memories playing cards and ranch workings..I was bucked off at young age when Raymond sat me up on ole Mick who had been rode a month lambing..got a mouthfull of dirt..Raymond told many stories about him and a wild horse called Mouse..he said he was toughest and best horse he ever had.
Sylvia Zimmer says
Thinking of all the families whose lives have been touched by this man. Loved his sense of humor and deep down carrying ways. Truly a great all around cowboy… he will be greatly missed…
Laurie Goehring says
I am sorry to all the Williams family. What great footsteps this man left, for everyone to follow and enjoy.
Tom and Ann Emmons says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. “A life well lived”
Gabby Bush says
I remember the old Belle Creek rodeo days. Raymond always treated us like family. He will be missed. Thinking of the Williams family.
Jay Kidd says
Sorry for the loss to the Williams family. May he Rest In Peace.
Jane Nelson says
Condolences to the William’s family, and Homer and Donna
Frank and Jane Nelson
Joni Kirksey Taylor says
Condolences to the Williams family. Ray was a great guy and the Williams were great neighbors and friends.
Janet A. Jensen says
Our sympathy to the Williams family with the passing of Ray. He holds a special place in our hearts.
Sheri Gali says
So sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing. I got to know him better when they moved Dad into his room at the manor. He was quite the jokester and always made me laugh ! He would pull my ponytail if I had my back to him and then he’d laugh ! He was quite the fella and will be deeply missed. RIP Cowboy
Karen Witt says
Deepest Sympathy to the Williams family
Roxie Dacar says
Love and hugs to you all. You all are still our second family.
James & Jaime Tarver says
Thinking of you all as you remember and celebrate Raymond.
Mary Hoffman says
So sorry to hear about your Dad. You will be in my thoughts and prayers
Lisa Rae says
Sorry for you loss. Gonna miss this man so much. I will cherish all my memories forever !!
Bill and Dina Gay says
Condolences to the family.
Janet Rice says
My condolences to Evelyn and all the families.
Bob and Alicia Olson says
Our deepest sympathies to each and every one of Ray’s family. So many memories with this family when they lived at Colony, WY. Growing up and attending school with the kids and raising a little hell, too. Good times! Later bowling with Ray and Evelyn on Friday nights…they were a fun pair. Just know we are thinking of you with deepest sympathies.
Matt & Linette Donnelly says
Thinking of you! Sorry to hear of the passing of Virginia and Ray. It was a pleasure knowing them.
The Espy Families says
Sincere sympathies for all the Williams families. Ray will be missed.
Marilyn Askin says
My Sympathy and Prayers go out to all of the Williams Family.
rebecca henwood says
Our deepest sympathy to Evelyn & family Tom always enjoyed talking to Ray about the rank horses they rode at Colony He will never forget them. RIP COWBOY Tom & Beckie Henwood
Andrita Harris says
Deepest sympathy and Condolences for the Family. RIP COWBOY
Heaven has gained another great angel.
Jane Thompson says
Always loved my Uncle Raymus, He and Uncle Tom best story teller’s ever! Great sense of humour and that sly little smile that went with it. Will surely miss this guy.
Steve & Laurie Gentry says
So very sorry, thinking of all the Williams families!
Guy, Shanna Howell, & family says
Our condolences to Evelyn, kids, and grandkids. Lots of great memories!
Suzie Johnson says
RIP Ray. You were a true cowboy