Eugene Blanchard Williams “Curly”, 91, of Sheridan, passed away quietly on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. He was born on September 3, 1927, to George and Laura “Peggy” Williams.
Curly spent his childhood on the Williams Family Ranch, now known as the Ellenwood Ranch. He attended the Old Stone School. In 1939, the family moved to the Beaver Creek Ranch where the attended the Beaver Creek School through grade 8, and graduated from Sheridan High School and then attended and graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1951, with a degree in Agriculture. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 529th Military Police. After serving his country he returned to Beaver Creek to help run both Beaver Creek and Spring Willow Ranch with his dad. On June 22, 1957, he married Anne McMillan from St. Louis. The couple was blessed with four children, Laura, Sharon, Stan and Rebecca “Becky”. In 1967, he took over running the ranch after the death of his father in January of 1967. He remained on Beaver Creek until 1981, when they sold the ranch and moved to Big Horn. In 1999, Gene retired from ranching and moved to the Powder Horn.
Curly enjoyed football, basketball, rodeo and watching his children and grandchildren participate in life. He loved to regale family and friends with stories and song. He was a member of the Sheridan Elks Lodge, R.E.A. Board member, a lifetime member of the P.R.C.A. (Pro Rodeo Cowboys Assoc.) and a 2016 inductee to the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Curly was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Anne of 50 years, an infant daughter, son and grandson. He is survived by his four children Laura (Don) Duran, Sharon (Greg) Kobold, Stan (Deanne) Williams, Rebecca (Kris) Milobar, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
The family of Gene Williams would like to thank Dr. Hunter, and a special thank you to Dr’s. Julie and Jason Ackerman. We couldn’t have asked for better care. To the nursing staff and CNA’s of Sheridan Memorial and the Nursing staff of Mountain View Living Center a big Thank You!
Inurnment with Military Honors will be held at 3:30 pm on Friday, December 28, 2018, in the Sheridan Elks Memorial Cemetery. A dinner reception will follow at 4:30 pm at the Elks Lodge.
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
