Joe Williams

He attended Trilla School, Lincoln Grade School, Jefferson Junior High, and Mattoon High School where he participated in several sports including football, basketball, wrestling, and band where he played the trumpet.

Joe was involved in Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he attended with his family from the time he was born and participated in Sunday school and other church events. He was a “Jack of all trades”, dabbling in farming, building, managing shops, and horseback riding. He always spoke fondly of taking a long horseback ride through the country.

After graduating high school, he attended Lake Land Community College and Southern Illinois University, where he graduated with a double major in Architecture and Structural Engineering.

Before settling down and starting a family, Joe traveled to Europe, took several ski trips with friends, and enjoyed hosting parties (especially pool parties). In Europe he explored historic structures and castles, which influenced his future projects including his home that he designed and built. He worked in various locations throughout the country before settling in Dallas/Ft. Worth in 1982.

He married Natalie in 1992 at his home church in Trilla, IL. He happily took in his two bonus daughters, Jennifer and Betsy as his own. In 1993, their family was made complete by the birth of their youngest daughter, Alyse.

Over the years, Joe worked locally at Texas Instruments, various telecom companies, AECOM, and Freese and Nichols where he applied both his architecture and engineering skills. More recently, he was a proud part of the terminal remodel and designing of the fire station at DFW Airport where he made lifelong friends.

Apart from work, Joe loved to spend time with family and build his home. He always had building projects in the works whether for himself or others. He enjoyed designing in the CAD system and happily provided his skills to friends and family. Service was his love language – jumping a car, shingling a roof, fixing an appliance, painting, building, and digging, he was always willing to lend a hand.

Celebrating big holidays with family were the highlights of his year, especially

Christmas with his mini village set and 16 foot Christmas tree. He had a reputation for making way more food than needed so everyone could take home leftovers. He loved hosting pool parties in the Summer, watching the Dallas Cowboys and OU in the Fall, ball games, spending time with his kids and grandkids, taking care of his horses, dog sitting his grand dog, and hanging out with his friends at Z Bar and Grill.

Joe received a cancer diagnosis in August, which he fought bravely with a complicated surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. He was optimistic, grateful, and a star patient throughout his treatment. He lost his battle on the afternoon of December 13th, 2021. Joe is survived by his children: Jennifer Atkins, Betsy Smith, Greg Smith (son-in-law), Alyse Tritton, and Drew Tritton (son-in-law); grandchildren: Max Smith, Elli-Mae Copelin, and Finn Smith; siblings: Tom Williams, Jack Williams, Jerry Williams, Mike Williams, Randy Williams, Brian Williams, Larry Williams, Nita Jenkins, and Denise Delashaw. Joe will be received in heaven by his mom, dad, and brother, Roger.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 20th, 2021, with a memorial visitation with family and friends, Joe's favorite music, and video tribute, from 2:00pm-3:00pm, followed by a memorial service beginning at 3:00pm.

In honor of Joe, the family is asking everyone to please wear blue to the service. Also, there will be a gathering at Z Grill, for anyone who wants to join from 5-7pm on Monday after the service in celebration of Joe, with food and music.