Michael Jefferson Williams

Mike spent his youth in Northern California, surrounded by family. His most treasured times were with Grandpa and Grandma McCoy where he learned the importance of family and hard work. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army and supported his country with 2 tours in Vietnam. He returned from Vietnam and met Shirley Sutton and her daughter Brenda. Mike and Shirley married on February 25, 1969, and in January 1970 added Annette to their family. They spent the early years of their marriage in Northern California near Mike's family until returning to the Midwest in 1973. Mike, a self-proclaimed jack of all trades, master of many, integrated himself into the town of Avoca making many friends. His love of hunting and fishing continued from childhood and formed the foundation of many friendships. When not hunting/fishing, Mike could be found on the softball field coaching or on the football field supporting his daughters and the marching band.

Mike and Shirley enjoyed their family, especially their grandchildren. Mike was crowned 'Dance Papa' by the studio where Brea and Ashley danced in their early dance careers. It was not unusual for Mike to sit in an auditorium for hours, not moving, watching every girl and every team dance while cheering loudly for all. Watching Scotty play baseball was also a joy for Mike as was playing against, and being beaten by, Scotty while playing Black Ops. Mike and Shirley traveled to California as often as possible to watch Stefanie ride her beloved horses, Alexa dance in the Nutcracker every Christmas and Brandon tear up the soccer field. Needless to say, the grandchildren were EVERYTHING to Mike and Shirley.

Mike had many jobs during his life and while he found a way to enjoy them all, the job that he LOVED the most was with Sutton Security. Customer service was Mike's calling and Harrv Sutton (brother in law) gave him the opportunity of a lifetime. Mike flourished during his time with Sutton Security and shared many special moments and memories. After Mike's time with Sutton Security, the 'job' that brought him joy was Habitat for Humanity. Mike spent many weekends and evenings rebuilding homes for those in need.

In 2008 Mike lost his beloved Shirley and then decided his oldest brother needed company and support. Mike spent the next several years living in Northern Oregon near his oldest brother Randy and younger brothers Mervin and John. During this time, he had the opportunity to grow closer to many of his nieces and nephews on the Williams/Rose side of the family. Mike cherished those moments and memories.

Mike moved back to Nebraska in early 2021 to be closer to his daughter Annette and her family. During the last years of his life Mike experienced the joy of spending time with family and welcoming a great grandson, Hank Kremer. Additionally, he reconnected with and married an important person from his past, Maria Ramsay. While Mike will be missed, the memories we have will keep him close.

He passed away, February 10, 2024, in Bellevue, Nebraska. Michael is survived by a wife, Maria Ramsay; daughter Brenda Williams; daughter, Annette (Scott) Bradley; grandchildren, Stefanie (Luke) Kremer; Brandon Sookdeo, Brea Bradley, Ashley Bradley, Scotty Bradley, Jr.; great-grandson Hank; brother Mervin Rose; brother John (Barbara) Rose; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen (Rose) Williams; a wife, Shirley (Sutton) Williams; siblings George R. Williams; Sharon Norton, Susan Mendenhall; Nephews George R. Williams III, Charles Williams; granddaughter Alexa Sookdeo; many other relatives and friends.