With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Earl Corless Williams of Olympia, WA.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
Earl spent his working life as ['Chico'] and held deeply to the Latter-day Saints faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
What Earl believed shaped how he loved.
Earl Corless Williams was born on August 9, 1941 to Thomas Corless and Erma Leone Earl Williams; siblings, Charlotte Williams Baker, Thomas Harold Williams, and Evelyn Marie Williams. He is survived by his wife Geraldine "Geri" Larsen Williams and his children: JoAnn Williams, David Earl Williams, James Robert Williams, and Michelle Williams Bickham, and their families; and his sister Charlotte. He is also survived by his unofficial "adopted" family of Dan and Sally Penman.
Earl made friends wherever he went and was deeply loved. He was born in Salt Lake City, then spent his childhood growing up in Olympia, Washington. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Parks and Recreation and started his career in Chico, California. His career took him through positions in Crescent City, California; Olympia, Washington; then concluding in Provo, Utah. In Provo, he worked closely with seniors and was proud of coordinating Senior Games. He enjoyed working on the development of parks and trails, and was particularly proud of parks he worked on in Provo Canyon. In his later years, we would often take Fall drives and picnic in the area just to relax near the trees and listen to the creek.
As a young man in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Earl served a 2-year mission in the Central States Mission. He enjoyed many callings in the Church, including, his years working with missionaries as a Seventy, and later being in the bishopric.
Dad was healthy and strong the majority of his life. Even so, he shocked us all when at age 78 he downed a large Blue Spruce, and dug up the large root (which was weighed in at over a ton when it was hauled away). In recent years, he looked forward to road trips with his son, Jim, to participate in BBQ competitions.
In the last months of his life, the burden of cancer was lightened by holiday celebrations, and the many visits and phone calls from family and friends. Earl passed away on May 1, 2026, with the loving company of his wife of 62 years by his side.
A graveside dedication will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the Richfield Cemetery, Utah. Friends and family may gather prior to services at Magleby Mortuary, 50 S 100 W, Richield, UT from 11:30 am -12:30 pm. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Earl Corless Williams, please visit our flower store.
