Ira Williams, Jr.

Ira Eustace Williams, Jr. beloved minister and dedicated family patriarch Ira Williams died peacefully on June 25, 2018 at home with his family by his side.

Serving congregations in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas and Puerto Rico, Ira led his parishioners in faith and service to others through his example and Christian teachings.  Born in 1926 to Ira, Sr. and Carolyn Williams, Ira was big brother to Bill Williams (deceased) and Joe Williams.  He married his sweetheart, Marilyn Towers, August 26, 1952, and began his life as a family man. Father of Mary Beck (deceased), Jeanie Williams, Shelley Bailey and husband Tom, and Wes Williams and wife Shelley, grandfather of Weldon Bailey, Marisa Beck Johnson, Jacob Bailey, David Bailey, Aubrey Williams Edwards, Courtney Beck, Matt Williams, Tess Williams and Taylor Williams; and great-grandfather of 11, Ira (Papa) was a shining example of how to love, live, and guide, while gently molding those in his world into caring, thoughtful and compassionate human beings.

Starting his ministry at the age of 16 in Marshall, OK, Ira graduated from Oklahoma City University and the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. He also was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree from McMurry University in Abilene, TX.  From 1962 to 1974, he was senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Albuquerque. As part of his ministry, Ira served United Methodist Evangelism Preaching missions in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Liberia, and Australia, and traveled for the Church reviewing work in India, Nepal, Hong Kong, China, Africa and the Caribbean. Officially retiring from the ministry in 1992, Ira continued to lead churches as an interim pastor for another 10 years, capping a career which spanned 50 years. After retirement, he dedicated much of his time to the development of Grace Park, a United Methodist Campground in the Manzano Mountains outside of Albuquerque.

A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, June 30, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 315 Coal Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.  Gifts in memory of Ira Williams may be made to First United Methodist Church in Albuquerque.