William Glen Williams (Bill) (Chief)
December 24, 1945 - December 31, 2022

Bill left us unexpectedly in the early morning hours of December 31, 2022, at the age of 77. He was born in Fort Bragg, California, Dec. 24, 1945, to Clarence and Juanita Williams. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Linda. He is also survived by his sister Kay (Steve) Funk of Fort Bragg, nephews Mark (Lynn) Hopper, Mike Hopper, niece Kelly (Marc) Tamborini and several nieces and nephews.

Bill spent his childhood in Caspar, California, where his father Clarence worked at the Caspar Mill. He began his schooling there (he opined that he was “teacher’s pet”) and had fond memories of playing with friends and of the Caspar Lumber Company community.

The family moved to Fort Bragg in the fifties, where Bill continued his education. He and his friends had impromptu baseball games. And there was fishing in the Noyo River as well as abalone picking with Dad, Boy Scouts and school crossing guard duty, newspaper sales and school sports. He spent summers camping at Boyles Camp (Big River) with his grandmother Ethel Galli, his sister Judy, relatives and other families.

These activities were curtailed in high school when Bill got a job at the Advocate News as a printer’s assistant, working after school on the big press alongside the other men. He saved his money. He wanted to go to college. And that’s what he did.

He entered Sonoma State College (Go Cossacks!) in the fall of 1963, majoring in history and embarking on what he would recall as the best time of his life. He was active in student government (treasurer), participated in athletics (medaled in track), travelled a bit with The Bronze Hog (a ‘60s band), made lasting friendships and acquired the appellation “Chief”, which would stick with him for life. He worked summers and did odd jobs in order to support himself and continue with college.

In 1968, Uncle Sam decided it was his turn to enjoy Bill’s company and he was inducted into the Marines on May 2, 1968. He could type and thereby ended up in Hawaii after boot camp, using his typewriter more than his rifle. He earned his sharpshooter medal and was in the Honor Guard. He was released from active duty and came home to Fort Bragg in May, 1970. He grew his hair, quit shaving, did a little babysitting for his sister Judy’s kids, and set about reconnecting with his hometown friends and family.

He and Linda renewed their college friendship at a chance meeting at the Broiler Steak House in Ukiah, and soon the friendship blossomed. They married in 1972, settled in Santa Rosa but moved to Fort Bragg after seven years. One year later Bill bought Orick Market in partnership with Linda’s parents, Bus and Rusty Newbrough. In 1990, Bus and Rusty retired and moved back to Ukiah, selling their half of the business to Bill and Linda. Bill was known to hop over the Redwood Creek levee during steelhead season for some angling, but the store took up most of his time. In 2007, he sold the store. During his tenure, Bill was fortunate to have good employees, including Marie Vaughn, Mary Bailey and Connie Secor who worked steadfastly until the doors were closed for the last time.

Bill, not ready to stop working, went to work for Paul and Phil Ayers at Ayers Distributing. He enjoyed his time there, seeing old friends who used to service the store in Orick and making new ones. He and Linda moved to McKinleyville, and he retired after several years, keeping in touch with many of the Ayers crew and with Phil and Paul. As the saying goes, “He never met a stranger.” He always remembered those he met and took an interest in their families and well-being.

Bill loved animals, and over the years he and Linda adopted a number of homeless dogs as well as numerous cats, the last being “Geeko,” who lived with them for twenty years.

Chief was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Williams, his Mother, Juanita Williams, and his sister, Judith Hopper. Arrangements were made at Sanders Funeral Home, Eureka. A time for gathering and remembrance has not been set.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Bill Williams’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.