Harold David ‘Dave’ Williams, 81, of Butler, died on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. at Hough Dean Funeral Home. Pastors John Walsh and David Baker will officiate. Burial will take place at Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Honey Bend.
Mr. Williams was born on November 22, 1944, to Harold and Gladys (nee Davis) Williams. He was raised locally and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1962. Shortly afterward, he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country in Vietnam.
In 1967, he married the love of his life, Georgia Adams. They were married for almost 59 years. Together they had two children, one whom preceded him in death.
He took great pride in his work as a construction laborer, for more than 50 years with Union Local 1084. He was a proud member of the Panama VFW, Shoal Creek Fox Hunters and the Luck and Buck Saddle Club.
Mr. Williams was happiest outdoors. He loved hunting, whether it was animals or mushrooms, and enjoyed black and tan coon hounds. He rode horses, tended gardens that somehow grew much larger than originally planned, and enjoyed camping locally with family and friends. He was also a devoted NASCAR fan and loved country music, especially Vern Gosdin and Gene Watson.
Those who knew him well will remember his unmistakable personality and loyalty to his people. He was sarcastic, funny, ornery, particular and had a dry sense of humor. To many, he was simply known as ‘Gramps’, a name he wore proudly. One of his favorite places to be was sitting beneath a shade tree with an Old Milwaukee in hand, enjoying the day and whatever company happened to be around.
Mr. Williams is survived by his wife, Georgia Williams of Butler; daughter, Rebecca (Mike) Durbin of Butler; grandchildren, Danielle (Evan) Bell of Morrisonville, Chad (Macy) Durbin of Butler and Samantha Williams; great-grandchildren, Devan Bell, Ella Bell and Lucas Durbin; siblings, Jim (Rita) Williams, Mark (Debbie) Williams, Lynn Titsworth and Rhonda Morgan; several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Harold and Gladys; son, Thomas Williams; sisters, Verna Porter, Alma Grantham, Barbara Lemon, Sandra Carroll and Kathy Jo Williams; and brothers, Albert Williams and John Williams.
