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Timeline for Mr. Leland Alan Williams
Born: January 24, 1948
Died: July 2, 2025
“When a man walks in integrity and justice, happy are his children after him!”
-Proverbs 20:7
Good-bye! A kind good-bye,
I bid you now, my friend,
And though ‘tis sad to speak the word,
To destiny I bend
And though it be decreed by Fate
That we ne’er meet again,
Your image, graven on my heart,
Forever shall remain.
Aye, in my heart thoult have a place,
Among the friends held dear,-
Nor shall the hand of Time efface
The memories written there.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens
(Mark Twain)
Today we say goodbye to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. A biography of facts and a timeline of his life experiences would not convey the sense of who he was as a man, nor would it do justice to our memory of him. He was truly a great man, and we honor his greatness today.
Great. Such a small word that carries so much meaning:
Adj. 1. Comparatively large in size. Physically no, but Lee’s heart and mind, yes.
2. Exceptional, notable, dignified, first-rate, extraordinary, outstanding, distinguished, noble.
Lee was all these things and so much more.
Just as a biography could never describe the depth of his character, a list of lofty adjectives will never be enough to tell us who he truly was. You simply had to know the man.
To know Lee, you would have realized he was an avid arms collector and enthusiast. From the time he was a boy, admiring heroes like Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger, and Hopalong Cassidy, Lee’s fascination with all things “cowboy” followed him well into adulthood and it only grew with time.
To know Lee, you would have appreciated that he was a talented and determined craftsman. Following in his own father’s footsteps, Lee expressed his creativity through woodworking and whittling. Overcoming his handicap (which he would never refer to as such), he worked tirelessly with one hand to produce beautiful pieces of art, many of which he generously gifted to loved ones and friends.
To know Lee, you would have recognized his appetite for knowledge which he obtained through his large collection of books which he consumed voraciously while listening to the soothing sounds of his favorite composers and musicians. He loved to share his knowledge and wisdom. If you were willing to listen, you would be privileged to receive a comprehensive lesson on many a subject!
To know Lee, you would have observed the overwhelming adoration he had for his grandsons, Augie and Zander. He would stare at them in awe as they performed the most rudimentary tasks and you knew, by the look in his eyes and how they would tear up, that his heart was bursting with pride.
To know Lee, you would have witnessed his strong, yet gentle, manner with which he cared for his children, Michael and Laurie. They looked to him for sage advice and guidance which he gave expertly, all while leading by example to ensure their own successes in life. When his children married, Lee embraced their spouses, Brandon and Diana, with a welcoming arm and he loved them as if they were his own.
To know Lee, you would have seen the tender, yet ardent, love he shared with his wife of nearly 55 years, Marty. Theirs was a love founded on a solid friendship which blossomed into a beautiful romance. As college sweethearts, Lee and Marty married promptly after graduating and their marriage endured due to mutual respect, shared values, patience, selflessness, forgiveness…and joy! His devotion to her, and hers to him, was rare and glorious. It was to be revered and emulated. It was a testament to his character and who he truly was.
To know Lee was an honor, a privilege. His image is graven on all our hearts and time shall never efface the memories written there.
Please join us at an Open House Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 27, 1-4 p.m. in the Saguaro Room at Cottonwood Country Club in Sun Lakes.
So very sorry for your loss. Lee was one of the good guys and leaves a family to morn their loss but celebrate his ever watchful eye from above. Rest easy… a life well lived.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. May God surround you with peace and comfort. Much love, Cyndi and Mike Isaacs
Dear Mrs. Williams, Michael, Laurie, Diana, Zander, Augie, and Brandon. I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Mr. Williams for nearly 40 years. Starting when we first moved across the street from each other on albatross dr. Over all of these years Mr. Williams has consistently been a role model, a source of wonderful stories and adventure, and an all around truly amazing person. My prayers are with you all and I will miss you, Mr. Williams. Thank you for being such a positively impactful person to me throughout my entire life.
Marty, Michael and Laurie, it hurts to write this, yet it is a privilege to share and recall the wonderful memories of Lee. If I recall properly, we met with we lived in Athens Apartments while sophomores at Ohio University. Lee lived with a couple of engineering majors as I did with our buddy Steve Lewis. We all decided to room together in a house that needed some major TLC not far (appropriately so) from the mental health facility and working farm across the Hocking River from OU. We all gathered at the house a week or so before classes started, patched up the walls, did some plastering, painted the inside walls and appropriately named the house the “Zoo.” Lee’s bedroom, his choice, was isolated in the back and never finished with the studs and insulation still exposed. He kept his sword close at hand, so we were always alert if we had to go in and wake him! Since Lee and I were the business majors and the remainder of our roommates’ engineers, we of course had to determine how to make some money while providing them a service. So, we used Jackie’s (my fiancée) car to pick up cases of RC Cola at the distributors. For months we ran a tab for each as the engineers drank RC Cola like there was no tomorrow. Then one day one of them realized that they were paying more than they would be at the grocery store (as if Lee and I would provide this service free of charge!). They threw a fit. Jackie would not let me drive her car anymore. Lee and I had to walk to class for several days until they all cooled off. Of course we were proud of our first business adventure! Over the years Lee and Marty continued to be good friends. They attended our wedding, however, we could not attend yours since we were stationed in Germany. I was able to see you both during several trips to Ft Huachuca. I cherish the time that you could attend my induction ceremony into the MI Hall of Fame. And of course, our time when Jenny, Loci and their boys were with me to visit you in Tucson as you showed us around and then our wonderful day together at Old Tucson. Jenny and Loci are also grieving over our loss of Lee and knowing of the sorrow in the William’s family. We all admired your family and your obvious love and joy with each other. I could go one for pages about my memories of Lee to include when we would get in trouble with you and Jackie for staying at Jim and Hazel’s establishment in Athens too long and coming home later than you wanted. We had some good times listening to Lee’s stories and of course his admiration for firearms. I will never forget Lee and wish you Marty, Michael and Laurie God’s love grace, peace, strength and understanding during these tough times. I will focus on Lee’s smile, his can do positive attitude and always many laughs. I am thankful for having Lee and Marty in our lives.
Dear Marty and family, My heart goes out to all of you. I know what you are going through. I wish I had been able to meet and know Lee as he obviously was a wonderful husband and father.. May you find peace in knowing that he is now with our Lord in heaven. God bless you . Lynn Alvine
Lee and my husband were very close friends. They enjoyed exchanges on philosophy, history and politics. They read & exchanged many books ;it was a bond of intelligence. I will always remember Lee as having a kind heart. When my husband died last year Lee did not hesitate to come to Tucson and help me with our Financial documents. That was a blessing ,a kind soul he had and will be missed by many in Tucson. When we did visit with Lee & Marty they served us lemonade from Lee’s lemon tree. He looked so proud of that lemon tree ! Lee was a kind and approachable man. He will be missed
Lee was a wonderful person, and the best neighbor ever. He had a fabulous sense of humor, and he will surely be missed.
Lee and Marty were our dear neighbors for many years. I dearly missed them after they moved away. Lee was such a kind man and my husband and I felt like we couldn’t have had a better neighbor than Lee and of course Marty. I can’t picture one without the other, and I will treasure some good memories of Lee.
My most sincere condolences goes out to my much loved cousin, Marthie and family for the loss of Lee, beloved husband ,father and grandfather. I didn't know Lee very well but I knew him enough to know he was a very kind compassionate and loving man. Rest in peace dear Lee. God bless ❤️
To Martha, Michael, Laurie and Families, This is an extraordinary tribute to an extraordinary man. We are holding each of you, and wonderful Lee, in our hearts. ~ With love, your cousins, Luanne Roberto- Trzcinski and Michael Trzcinski
To know Lee was to love him! I not only knew him, but I loved him, as well as liked him. I was fortunate to have known him for 58 years since I was 12. He was not only a brother-in-law, but I always considered as another older brother. I fondly referred to him as “Lee the bee”, a name given to him by my other older brother Frank. I carried the name on for the remainder of the years. Whenever I saw him, I’de say “hey Lee the bee. Lee was a wealth of information, I could ask him anything and he would always have a logical, and sensible answer., Be about life, business or just about anything. He was astute about everything. If I needed advise I’de go to Lee and ask him. I wasn’t all that mechanically inclined, but I didn’t worry too much about it because I’d just go and ask Lee the bee to help me put it together. I had just purchased some patio furniture that came in a big box with nuts and bolts, that had to be assembled correctly. I hadn't a clue. I didn’t worry too much about it because I had Lee the bee. He had every kind of tool imaginable, that one could have. He’d make tables from a simple piece of wood. He loved to whittle, and every piece that he made was a work of art. When he left us, he took a piece of my heart with him. Godspeed my beloved friend. Rest in peace, my brother.🙏
My Condolences to the Williams family. May God continue to Bless this family and May Leland RIP. He's in the hands of the Lord to guide him home. Prayers will remain on going. 🙏
Dear Marty and family. Such a beautiful testimony to Lee and your life together🩷My prayers continue for you to be engulfed with God’s love and support. Please know your friends are here to listen and help you and the family.🙏❤️
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: 2:30 pm
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
So very sorry for your loss. Lee was one of the good guys and leaves a family to morn their loss but celebrate his ever watchful eye from above. Rest easy… a life well lived.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. May God surround you with peace and comfort. Much love, Cyndi and Mike Isaacs
Dear Mrs. Williams, Michael, Laurie, Diana, Zander, Augie, and Brandon. I have had the honor and privilege of knowing Mr. Williams for nearly 40 years. Starting when we first moved across the street from each other on albatross dr. Over all of these years Mr. Williams has consistently been a role model, a source of wonderful stories and adventure, and an all around truly amazing person. My prayers are with you all and I will miss you, Mr. Williams. Thank you for being such a positively impactful person to me throughout my entire life.
Marty, Michael and Laurie, it hurts to write this, yet it is a privilege to share and recall the wonderful memories of Lee. If I recall properly, we met with we lived in Athens Apartments while sophomores at Ohio University. Lee lived with a couple of engineering majors as I did with our buddy Steve Lewis. We all decided to room together in a house that needed some major TLC not far (appropriately so) from the mental health facility and working farm across the Hocking River from OU. We all gathered at the house a week or so before classes started, patched up the walls, did some plastering, painted the inside walls and appropriately named the house the “Zoo.” Lee’s bedroom, his choice, was isolated in the back and never finished with the studs and insulation still exposed. He kept his sword close at hand, so we were always alert if we had to go in and wake him! Since Lee and I were the business majors and the remainder of our roommates’ engineers, we of course had to determine how to make some money while providing them a service. So, we used Jackie’s (my fiancée) car to pick up cases of RC Cola at the distributors. For months we ran a tab for each as the engineers drank RC Cola like there was no tomorrow. Then one day one of them realized that they were paying more than they would be at the grocery store (as if Lee and I would provide this service free of charge!). They threw a fit. Jackie would not let me drive her car anymore. Lee and I had to walk to class for several days until they all cooled off. Of course we were proud of our first business adventure! Over the years Lee and Marty continued to be good friends. They attended our wedding, however, we could not attend yours since we were stationed in Germany. I was able to see you both during several trips to Ft Huachuca. I cherish the time that you could attend my induction ceremony into the MI Hall of Fame. And of course, our time when Jenny, Loci and their boys were with me to visit you in Tucson as you showed us around and then our wonderful day together at Old Tucson. Jenny and Loci are also grieving over our loss of Lee and knowing of the sorrow in the William’s family. We all admired your family and your obvious love and joy with each other. I could go one for pages about my memories of Lee to include when we would get in trouble with you and Jackie for staying at Jim and Hazel’s establishment in Athens too long and coming home later than you wanted. We had some good times listening to Lee’s stories and of course his admiration for firearms. I will never forget Lee and wish you Marty, Michael and Laurie God’s love grace, peace, strength and understanding during these tough times. I will focus on Lee’s smile, his can do positive attitude and always many laughs. I am thankful for having Lee and Marty in our lives.
Dear Marty and family, My heart goes out to all of you. I know what you are going through. I wish I had been able to meet and know Lee as he obviously was a wonderful husband and father.. May you find peace in knowing that he is now with our Lord in heaven. God bless you . Lynn Alvine
Lee and my husband were very close friends. They enjoyed exchanges on philosophy, history and politics. They read & exchanged many books ;it was a bond of intelligence. I will always remember Lee as having a kind heart. When my husband died last year Lee did not hesitate to come to Tucson and help me with our Financial documents. That was a blessing ,a kind soul he had and will be missed by many in Tucson. When we did visit with Lee & Marty they served us lemonade from Lee’s lemon tree. He looked so proud of that lemon tree ! Lee was a kind and approachable man. He will be missed
Lee was a wonderful person, and the best neighbor ever. He had a fabulous sense of humor, and he will surely be missed.
Lee and Marty were our dear neighbors for many years. I dearly missed them after they moved away. Lee was such a kind man and my husband and I felt like we couldn’t have had a better neighbor than Lee and of course Marty. I can’t picture one without the other, and I will treasure some good memories of Lee.
My most sincere condolences goes out to my much loved cousin, Marthie and family for the loss of Lee, beloved husband ,father and grandfather. I didn't know Lee very well but I knew him enough to know he was a very kind compassionate and loving man. Rest in peace dear Lee. God bless ❤️
To Martha, Michael, Laurie and Families, This is an extraordinary tribute to an extraordinary man. We are holding each of you, and wonderful Lee, in our hearts. ~ With love, your cousins, Luanne Roberto- Trzcinski and Michael Trzcinski
To know Lee was to love him! I not only knew him, but I loved him, as well as liked him. I was fortunate to have known him for 58 years since I was 12. He was not only a brother-in-law, but I always considered as another older brother. I fondly referred to him as “Lee the bee”, a name given to him by my other older brother Frank. I carried the name on for the remainder of the years. Whenever I saw him, I’de say “hey Lee the bee. Lee was a wealth of information, I could ask him anything and he would always have a logical, and sensible answer., Be about life, business or just about anything. He was astute about everything. If I needed advise I’de go to Lee and ask him. I wasn’t all that mechanically inclined, but I didn’t worry too much about it because I’d just go and ask Lee the bee to help me put it together. I had just purchased some patio furniture that came in a big box with nuts and bolts, that had to be assembled correctly. I hadn't a clue. I didn’t worry too much about it because I had Lee the bee. He had every kind of tool imaginable, that one could have. He’d make tables from a simple piece of wood. He loved to whittle, and every piece that he made was a work of art. When he left us, he took a piece of my heart with him. Godspeed my beloved friend. Rest in peace, my brother.🙏
My Condolences to the Williams family. May God continue to Bless this family and May Leland RIP. He's in the hands of the Lord to guide him home. Prayers will remain on going. 🙏
Dear Marty and family. Such a beautiful testimony to Lee and your life together🩷My prayers continue for you to be engulfed with God’s love and support. Please know your friends are here to listen and help you and the family.🙏❤️
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.