Raymond John Williams passed away on August 22, 2012 at Lompoc Skilled and Rehabilitation Center. He was born March 28, 1911 in Metamora, MI to Arthur C. and Lillie Anna Jagow Willams. The eldest of three sons (brothers were Wilfred and Arthur D., both deceased), Ray began his banking career in 1927 in Lapeer, MI with an after-school job as a messenger. He became a young widower when his wife, Inez (Huntley) died, leaving him and their young daughter, Lorna, alone. A couple of years later he and Gladys May Ross met fell in love; they were married May 14, 1937. Over the next few years while Ray was moving up in the banking world in MI, three of their four children-Judith, Johanna and John- were born. When they decided to move to California, Lorna elected to stay in MI and live with her maternal grandmother; daughter Jane was born shortly after they arrived in CA.
Within a few days of the family's arrival in CA, he found employment with Security-First National Bank and spent the next three years as Vice Manager of the branch in Visalia. In 1955 Ray was offered the position of Manager of the Lompoc branch, where he remained until he retired as Vice President and Manager of Security-Pacific National bank in 1976, after a career of 48 years.
In retirement he built hand crafted furniture and he and Gladys enjoyed many camping trips in their tent trailer.
Ray was heavily involved in the community and was named Lompoc's 1964 Man of the Year. He served on the boards of the Hospital District, the Food Pantry, Area Agency on Aging, Lompoc Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Meals on Wheels, American Cancer Society and United Way.
A faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church, he held several offices and was instrumental in facilitating the construction of the original buildings.
His wife, Gladys, and daughters Lorna Warner (Attica, MI), Judy (Bob) Carpenter (Lompoc), Johanna (George) Brody (San Clemente) and Jane Lightfoot (Morgantown, WV) survive him. Their son, John, died in 1966. He also leaves six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
Ray's family would like to thank the care givers at The New Lodge of Lompoc and Lompoc Skilled and Rehab Center for their loving care the last 11 months of his life.
A celebration of Ray's life will be held Friday, August 31, 2 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church, 135 So. E St. Lompoc. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church in his memory.