Donald Ray Williams
July 8, 1954 - January 4, 2026
OBITUARY
Donald Ray Williams, 71, of Galt, California, passed away on January 4, 2026, at Lodi Memorial Hospital.
Born on July 8, 1954, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Donald grew up in Flint, Michigan, where his love for music began. As a teenager, he played bass guitar in a band, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. Music was a constant source of joy for Donald, and he often spent his spare time playing the bass, finding peace and expression through it. In his young adulthood, he also picked up the hobby of weightlifting, developing a lifelong commitment to fitness. He enjoyed going to the gym and lifting weights, a reflection of the discipline and strength he carried throughout his life.
Donald proudly served his country in the United States Navy, completing a full career of dedicated service. His military service allowed him to travel the world and experience many cultures, including Kenya, Australia, the Philippines, Korea, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Guam, and the Marshall Islands. These experiences broadened his perspective and left a lasting impression on him. During his Navy career, Donald was assigned as a recruiter for three years in the Bay Area, but his primary occupation was serving as a photographer. He was a talented photographer with a keen eye for detail, capturing many important moments for the U.S. military. He even had the opportunity to work with the United States Secretary of the Interior while serving in the Navy. Through his career, Donald developed a deep passion for photography and loved being behind the camera, capturing both the beauty of scenery and precious family moments. He retired from the Navy after 21½ years of service.
After retiring from the Navy, Donald continued his dedication to service by working as a distribution clerk for the United States Postal Service. During this time, he met many good people who enjoyed his presence and valued his kindness, reliability, and warm personality.
Donald was preceded in death by his father, Moses Williams. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lilia Williams; his daughters, Charlene Williams, Crystal Mock, and Clarissa Williams; his son-in-law, Elbert Mock III; his mother, Catherine Williams; his brothers, Ronald Williams and Terry Williams; and his sister, Sandra Williams.
Above all else, Donald was a family man. He was a good and loving husband to his wife, Lilia, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. He was an incredible father to his three daughters and looked up to by many within his family as a good man with a funny sense of humor, a respectable and noble presence, and someone who led by quiet example. He was also a well-respected uncle and brother-in-law. His greatest pride and purpose were providing for, caring for, and protecting his wife and children. He was a steady presence, a protector, and a source of unconditional love. Donald’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the music he loved, the moments he captured, and the many lives he touched through his quiet strength, integrity, and devotion. Donald will be forever in our hearts and greatly missed.
VISITATION
Visitation with be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, 4:00pm-8:00pm at Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Williams family.
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