Joe Boyce Williams, 85, of Orange, Texas, passed away on February 20, 2021.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 27, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church in Orange, Texas.

Born in Camp Springs, Texas, on June 16, 1935, he was the son of Elbert H. Williams and Alma (Scott) Williams. Joe moved with his family to Carlsbad as a young boy where he attended Carlsbad schools. After serving his country with the Navy Seabees he returned to Carlsbad where he met and married the love of his life Lavern Moore in 1960. Joe worked at Southwest Potash until 1974 when the family moved to Rocksprings, Wyoming. Joe and Lavern later moved to Nevada where he worked as a pipefitter for UA Local 350, and delighted in traveling as part of his job. After retiring Joe and Lavern came back to Carlsbad where Joe enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a talented wood-worker, who loved to work with his hands. It brought him joy to build the picture frames for Lavern’s paintings. He was a 6’5’’ teddy bear, with a heart of gold. Joe’s big, deep laugh could be heard for miles, and his smile attracted everyone around him. He will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Alma Williams; son, Steven Williams; son-in-law, Gary Argue; and brother, Gerald Williams.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Lavern (Moore) Williams; children, Kelly Ferguson and husband Larry of Buna, Texas, Terri Argue of Gillette, Wyoming, Penny Davis of Pahoa, Hawaii, and Richard Williams and wife Mechell of Rock Springs, Wyoming; daughter-in-law, Janie Williams of Rock Springs, Wyoming; 22 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; along with nephews, Jerry Williams, Mike and David Moore.