Joe L Williams

Joe L Williams, 82, a long-time resident of Plain City, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

The only child of Joseph Leigh and Martha Faye Jensen Williams, Joe was born on August 25, 1942, in Malad, Idaho. He was raised and schooled in Malad. An outstanding athlete and natural leader, Joe was Captain of his football and wrestling teams, and Senior Class Vice President of the Malad High Dragons, graduating in 1960. Joe then attended Ricks College where he finished his undefeated wrestling career by winning the Division 2 National Championship. He graduated with an AAS degree from Ricks in 1962 and then honorably served a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States Mission.

Upon returning, he enrolled at BYU where he met his sweetheart and eternal companion, Deanna Lee Peterson. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple on September 9, 1966. In 1967, their daughter, Sheri joined the family. A son, James, came along in 1970.

Joe graduated from BYU with his master’s degree, then attended the University of Texas in Galveston, graduating with a degree in Physical Therapy.

Joe worked for Intermountain Healthcare, traveling with his family to many states, principally working at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kansas and later McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden. He started his own practice, Roy Physical Therapy, which he maintained for over 20 years.

Among his hobbies, Joe was a passionate horseman and loved racing his quarter horses and thoroughbreds at Wyoming Downs, where he participated for many years in the sport. Joe was very service-oriented and active member of the Church. Among his callings he loved serving as a scout leader. Joe was a master gardener and maintained a massive garden at his Plain City home, from which he shared an abundance of produce with his neighbors.

Joe was a sportsman throughout his life, an avid camper and fisherman, and a huge BYU fan, watching and cheering on his team to the very last.

He will be remembered most for his ability to make people laugh, his enduring kindness, and for his gentle servant soul. He would help anyone who needed it.

Joe is survived by his wife of 58 years, Deanna L. Williams, Plain City; daughter, Sheri (Kristina Henderson) Williams, Sunset; and son, James Edward Williams, Roy; two grandchildren, Tori (Jacob) Jones, Ogden, and Kelly James Williams, Plain City, UT.

Joe was preceded in death by his father at a young age, by two infant sons, Joe L and John Paul, and then by his mother. They are now reunited.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Plain City 10th Ward Chapel, 2132 West 2700 North, Farr West. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd. and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Plain City Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Contributions in Joe’s honor be made directly to the Huntsman Cancer Institute: 

https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/foundation/ways-to-give.