Rex Winder Williams, Jr. passed away on Sunday, January 14, just short of 90, after a brief illness.
He was born January 26, 1928, to Rex Winder Williams and Helen Spencer Williams.
Rex's lasting legacy is his family: Becky Thomas, Brooke S. and Terry Tempest Williams, Rex B. (Joey) and Jann T. Williams, Nan and Steve Hasler, Thomas B. and Amy D. Williams, 17 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his wife, the mother of his children, Rosemary Brandley Williams; his second wife, Shirley Coombs Thornton Williams; his brothers, Robert S. Williams and J.D. Williams; and his parents.
Rex grew up on the avenues of Salt Lake City. After graduating from East High School in 1945, he accepted a commission at the Coast Guard Academy. Upon his return, he was called to the New England States Mission, where he served from 1947 to 1949. He travelled through New England and Nova Scotia "without purse or scrip." His mission experiences formed the foundation for his life of Christlike service.
Rex studied mechanical engineering at the University of Utah, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, forming friendships that continue to this day as the "Latter-Day Sigs."
On August 10, 1950, Rex married Rosemary Brandley in the Salt Lake Temple. Their 43-year marriage was founded on Church service and support for their children and grandchildren. From 1979 to 1982, Rex and Rosie presided over the Florida Tampa Mission. They made lasting friends and influenced countless lives.
After Rosie's passing, Rex married Shirley Coombs Thornton. Together they presided over the Provo Missionary Training Center from 1995 to 1997. Rex gracefully cared for Shirley when her health declined in the years prior to her passing in May 2017.
Rex worked with his father, his brother Bob, and all three of his sons at Rex Williams and Sons for almost 60 years. Along with ownership of the business, he passed his integrity on to his sons. Rex lived his belief that "a successful transaction between two parties is one in which both benefit equally," a philosophy he inherited from his father and instilled in his sons, who continue his legacy. Rex was proud to have worked on more than 100 LDS temples throughout the world.
Rex was a spiritual mentor to many, and he maintained each friendship with his personal commitment of care and concern. His wit kept all of us upright. Rex was living proof that "there is sunshine in the soul."
A memorial service in Rex's honor will be held on Saturday, January 27, at the Garden Heights Ward chapel (2200 E. Fisher Lane, SLC) at 1:00 PM. The family will greet visitors an hour prior to the service. Ice cream and cake will be served after the service in commemoration of Rex's 90th birthday.
Donations to Rising Star Outreach or the LDS Church General Missionary Fund are encouraged in lieu of flowers.
The family would love to read your thoughts and memories of Rex at Larkinmortuary.com.
