Byron Lee Williams

Byron was born Jan. 19th, 1947 in Portland, Oregon. He was the second of two children of Herbert and Marcella Williams. He attended and graduated Marshall High School in 1965. Following high school, he joined the US Navy and became a ship fitter (welder) while stationed aboard the USS Colonial LSD-18. After the Navy, Byron continued his career as a welder and became a boilermaker. He began with the Portland shipyards and later worked in nuclear power plants.

As a member of Local 500, his most notable achievement was the development of robotic welding to seal dry-fuel storage baskets for nuclear plants. His teamwork and dedication helped with the groundwork of the program. Also as a member of the Local 500, Byron taught welding for 9 years at Portland Community College.

Byron loved learning. He studied science, politics, and history, but never stopped the enjoyment of learning. His favorite subject was the Wild West and he competed in the Single Action Shooting Society; his handle was Harry Trigger. His interests included martial arts, scuba diving, leather tooling, gun-smithing, and anything to do with gadgets. He was very adventurous and liked to hunt for mushrooms with his wife, he loved to fish but Patty always caught more, hunt for elk and deer, and most of all he loved to shoot his guns; yep he was a gun-slinger!

Byron is survived by his wife Patricia; son Joe, daughter-in-law Jocelyn, grandson Luke; Patricia’s children and grandchildren which he was a father and grandfather to all: Sons-in-law Pete and Rick, step-daughters Donna, Carrie, and Holly, and step-son Doug. Grandchildren Nathan, Peter John and his wife Jessica, Bryan, Steven, Taylor, and Hope Elizabeth. Great-grandchildren Gracie and Cecelia.

Byron was a gracious and caring man with an infectious smile. His jolly laugh, friendly manner, and upbeat attitude will be missed but never forgotten.

A memorial service will be held on Friday June 6th, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Park chapel.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.