William Gray Williams
December 28, 1937 - March 5, 2026
William G. Williams, 88, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away after a life defined by resilience, redemption, and generosity. Born in 1937 in Salt Lake City, Bill was a proud Utahn and the grandson of General William G. Williams, for whom Camp Williams is named.
After overcoming alcoholism, Bill lived the last 52 years of his life sober—something he considered one of his greatest accomplishments. He quietly helped many others find the same path, offering encouragement, honesty, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that only comes from walking through life’s toughest battles.
Bill spent more than five decades in the automotive industry, building a successful career and lifelong friendships. He believed deeply in integrity, often saying that a handshake should mean something.
He loved hot rods, classic cars, his Harley, all of his labradors and a good round of golf. Tough as nails with a sharp sense of humor, Bill was also deeply generous and fiercely loyal to the people he cared about.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Luana Williams; daughters Sherri Candland (Delaney and Lulu) and Deborah Hoffler (Allie and Will).
Bill often reminded those around him that when life gets tough, sometimes you simply have to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and keep moving forward.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Willow Creek Country Club, 8505 Willow Creek Drive, Sandy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bill’s name to a local animal shelter of your choice.
In Loving Memory
Bill thank you for the memories. You gave so much to us as a selected group of Airbrush Artists, and our spouces, always a first class experience with the Air Affairs and beyond. You were always caring about your artists, always like family, you made us rock stars. Thank you. You were a car guy and myself being a car guy that was a real bonus. You and your daughter Sherri were the best , running the Air Affair, Car Shows, your Aset gallery, making them the Best events that will never be matched. You were such a pinnacle in the automotive art/ car kulture Salt Lake City area , your visions will remain in our memories . See ya in the movies.... Ron and Nancy Gibbs
Bill! I will miss your booming voice and the solid words of wisdom and support. You reminded me to chase my dreams and share the message. Stay strong and push forward. My deepest condolences to Luana and family. "Hook on chica" thank you for the inspiration.
Luana and family this is Donna from Willow Creek. I just want you to know how much I loved your dad and admired him. He was always so so good to me and my heart goes out to all of you just remember the good times and that no one ever dies, who will live in our hearts, and Bill will always live in all your hearts.
Thank you Bill for your example of fellowship, for the opportunity to work for you, and for all the meetings we attended together. You helped me believe that I could accomplish great things, I’m so grateful for that. Thanks for all the great rounds of golf at Willow Creek and those amazing lunches at the club where you helped me see that my path forward could only be limited by a lack of imagination. We haven’t been friends for a long time now, however in your example of living, I learned many things about myself. I sincerely thank you for not being afraid to be yourself. Thank you, Bill W. My sincere condolences to the WGW family.
Bill, You will live in my heart forever. You are my Friend and My Compatriot, my Guide and Your great Ear when I Needed It, Will never be replaced. You have shown me how to Live Sober and I will do my best to Pass It Forward. Your children are the best piece of you, You were always there for them. Luana, you will always be near and dear to me and I will always be just a phone call away. You were Bill’s best friend and supporter and I know He Loved You Deeply. Please Rest In That Knowledge. You were an awesome couple and a Great Match. Bill’s Humor and Honesty will be a goal of many and will not be forgotten or replaced. I Hope Bill Finds The Golf Challenging, he has many Friends to Join, too many have gone before. I Love You My Friend, My Sponsor,,,,, Rest Well and Save Me A Seat !!!
Bill Williams was truly one of a kind. He was a dear friend and confidant who had a special gift for making you feel like the most important person in the room. When Bill asked how you were doing, you knew he truly cared. I will miss our conversations, and I will miss seeing his fancy Italian shoes and his always-interesting jewelry- and hearing his Porsche pull in. Those were just a few of the things that made him so uniquely Bill. He loved his wife, Luana, deeply and was so proud of his daughter Sherry. He was especially excited about the book she was writing about him. He was a great man and a wonderful friend, and he will be deeply missed. Love to the family! 💔
Rest in peace Bill. I always felt safe and comfort in your presence. You are one of the giants in my recovery journey. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss God bless
In Loving Memory
