Jerry Lee Williams

Feb. 10, 1944 - Nov. 30, 2024

Jerry Lee Williams was born on Feb. 10, 1944, in Hollywood, Calif., to Edgar and Annetta Williams. During World War II, Edgar served in the Navy while Annetta worked as a riveter on airplane wings. Jerry spent his childhood in Idledale, Colo., and graduated from high school in Blue Creek, Colo.

After high school, Jerry worked alongside his father in construction, laying hardwood floors. While living in Texas, he built friendships with detectives who would often travel to Colorado to deer hunt with his family. Inspired by these connections and his father’s service, Jerry eventually joined the Navy, training at the Great Lakes Naval Station as a boiler tender in the engine room. However, during his time in school, Jerry suffered a serious car accident that resulted in the loss of his right leg. Due to this injury, he was honorably discharged from the Navy.

After his military service, Jerry married Karen Werbelow and pursued higher education. He attended Northwest Community College for one year before transferring to the University of Wyoming, where he studied accounting. After earning his degree, Jerry moved to Denver to begin his professional career. Over the years, he worked at Husky Oil in Cody, Wyo., and then for a publishing company in Basin, Wyo. With this company, Jerry was later transferred to Riverton and Casper, Wyo. Jerry and Karen had six children together. 

Jerry and Fonda Wilkinson were married on Dec. 31, 1997, in Las Vegas. They had an incredible 27 years together of adventures that included driving their Hellcat (aka Kitty), traveling, running dogs on Table Top and spending time with family. During this time, Jerry worked for Edwards Ranch in Emblem, Wyo., and after 29 years of being the accountant and all around ranchhand, he retired in 2022. It was his greatest honor to be a husband, Dad, and Grandpa. Anyone who met him knows he had a heart of gold and a mischievous streak that will be missed. 

Jerry passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, 2024. Jerry is proceeded in death by his parents, Edgar Williams and Annetta Harris; and father-in-law, Jay Wilkinson.

Jerry is survived by his wife Fonda Wilkinson; his children, Amber (Mike) Acosta, Janet (Aaron) Davidson, Eddie (Sarah) Williams, Crystal (Jared) Bangerter, Kim Sweets, and Toni (Bob) Jensen; as well as Fonda’s children, Craig Wilkinson, Amanda (Mike) Bruton, Angie (Marcus) Kunda, and Colter Davis; 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sister, Jean (Phil) McMullen, brother, Jim (Teresa) Williams; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. 

There will be a celebration of life for Jerry in the spring of 2025.