Obituary: Jason Ray Williams

On May 30, 2021, Jason Ray Williams (as his mother used to call him when he was in trouble) left this world. He leaves behind his wife, Sherrie Williams, who lovingly referred to him as her Jackass, a term which Jason, in 10 years of adoring marriage, could never really find a proper defense against. Together they created a loving family with daughters Makayla Williams and Dravyn Patterson, and sons Eden Williams, Landen Sinnot and Asher Williams.

Also left behind are his parents, Richard and Shirley Williams, who will miss his smiling face and his stories and his ability to make those around him feel loved and important; his sister and her husband, Shawne and Randy Sheldon, who will forever miss the wonderful discussions they used to have even when holding different points of views, and of being able to bribe him with chocolate; and a brother and his wife, Jeremy and Samantha Williams, who grieve from their home in China, thereby casting a pall over the Eastern Hemisphere as well.

Then, of course, there is the human race in general, who has lost a kind and compassionate soul among them and will experience their grief in unspoken and unrealized ways.

Jason was, as his grandmother would say, filled with sass, and he showed this proclivity at a young age. As a youth, he could be known to be argumentative and confrontational, but he did this in defense of what he believed was right. He was immensely intelligent and logical, and the absence of these qualities in humanity was a constant source of exasperation to him.

As an adult, he came to better accept and understand the imperfections of himself and those around him. He focused his attentions on helping to make the changes in the world he could, raising his extended brood of children with the thoughtfulness and compassion he knew the world needed more of. He was selfless with his friendship and in his interactions with others and strived to be good, succeeding more often than not.

Approaching middle age, Jason took to the appropriate customs with gusto. He smoked meats with enthusiasm, and his brisket could rival the best in the world. He vehemently ignored and denied any evidence of hair loss, and his refusal to switch to bifocals in spite of their obvious need was impressive. His passing came far too soon, and his family will forever be left wondering what type of cantankerous, loving, selfless senior citizen he would have been.

Jason loved astronomy and physics and often pined for an opportunity to explore among the stars. In keeping with this wish, his family will be shooting a portion of his remains into the heart of the Milky Way galaxy. There, millions of light years away, his presence will provide inspiration and comfort, just as it did on Earth.

He will most likely continue to remain baffled by the foibles of humanity, but he will love us all the same, even from that great distance.

Arrangements are in the care of Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremation.