Roy A. Williams
Aeronautical manager, world traveler

Seven-year Claremont resident Roy A. Williams had a variety of interests, most of which revolved around global travel, archeology and piloting his private plane, which frequently took him to Mexico to behold archeological sites. He loved visiting ancient ruins around the world, counting Machu Picchu in Peru among his favorites.

Mr. Williams, a resident of West Covina for many years, died on February 28, 2008 at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. He was 89.

Born on August 12, 1918 in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, Mr. Williams spent his childhood and youth in numerous locations, with most of his early years spent in Riverside, Illinois on the outskirts of Chicago.

Though he never earned a formal degree, Mr. Williams took a number of courses in aeronautics and devoted his career to this industry. He worked in various locations in the US including New York, Texas and several California locations, eventually working for General Dynamics in Pomona for the bulk of his professional life. It was after his transfer to Pomona that he settled in West Covina with his wife, Efe Williams, and they resided there from 1953 to 2001.

According to his daughter, Stephanie Roberts, Mr. Williams was very proud of his country and much of his work in the aeronautical industry was focused on projects that aided in the protection of the US.

While in a management position at General Dynamics, he was instrumental in developing the company’s philanthropic efforts toward Casa Colina. He helped organize charitable activities including raising the funds that were then donated to the agency.

Along with a lengthy and successful professional life in the aeronautical industry, Mr. Williams was deeply interested in planes and flying on a personal level. He loved the variety of different airplane designs and was fascinated by the mechanical and technical aspects, his daughter explained. In the late 60s, he became a pilot, particularly enjoying his trips to Mexico. Though he did not speak Spanish, Mr. Williams and his wife made easy connections with people in Mexico, which turned into a deep affinity with the country, its culture and its people.

“My parents seemed to get along with everybody,” Ms. Roberts said. “They had an open attitude toward people of other cultures and races. They showed this not only in words but in deeds. We were very fortunate that they passed this along to their kids.”

In addition to multiple trips to Mexico, Mr. Williams was a global traveler, visiting, with his wife, places such as India, Cambodia, Japan, China and South America. The vacation spot they loved the most, said Ms. Roberts, was India, which often surprised people.

Mr. Williams’ family noted that he was well known for his  “infectious laugh and great sense of humor.” Humor, said his daughter, that was somewhat off the beaten path.

“His humor was sort of odd, I must admit,” Ms. Roberts commented. “He said some sort of weird things, things that made you laugh even when you knew you shouldn’t. And I’m not good at not laughing.”

Though a “mouthy” fellow at times, she continued, he indeed could be appropriate in his humor, but oftentimes his remarks were followed by a “Geez, dad,” reaction by his children.

Mr. Williams also loved to read and swim in the ocean. Even well into his 60s, he would swim far into the ocean, enjoying being taken back to shore by riding the waves. He particularly enjoyed ocean swimming at Zuma Beach near Malibu.

Mr. Williams is survived by his son, Steve Williams of Escondido; by his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Randy Roberts of Claremont; by his daughter, Gwen Williams of Red Lodge, Montana; by his 5 grandchildren, Bryan K. Williams of Escondido, Michelle Weiler and her husband, Steve, of Rancho Bernardo, Tiffany Roberts of Claremont, Ryan Roberts and his wife, Helen, of West Covina and Natalie Hoskins of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and by his 6 great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Katie Acquavella, Katie Weiler, Spencer Hoskins, Allie Ramirez and Kylie Roberts. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Efe Williams, in 1997.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. today, Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the home of his daughter, 868 Alamosa Dr., Claremont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Assistance League of Pomona Valley, 655 N. Palomares St., Pomona, CA 91767.