Gary "Butch"

Williams

Gary “Butch” James Williams, 83, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2026 at Franklin Grove Living and Rehabilitation in Franklin Grove, Illinois. Butch was born on April 28, 1943, the son of James G. and Amanda K. (Engelkes) Williams in Rockford, IL. He proudly served with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War serving as an air traffic controller in Guam. Butch retired from the State of Illinois Highway Department. He loved spending time with his daughters, and over the years enjoyed gardening, collecting guns and his cars. In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Roesch and grandson, Connor Roesch.

Butch is survived by his two daughters: Corena Williams of Diberville, MS and Amy (Mike) Williams of MS; son-in-law, Richard Roesch;  two brothers: Keith (Vicki) Williams and Jeff (Cindy) Williams both of San Diego, CA; two sisters: Lavon (George) Hiltl of Loves Park, IL and Kathy (Robert) Skattom of AR; and his grandchildren: Jeremy Hayes, Tasha Hayes, Cody Rockstead and Christopher Williams, .

The visitation will be from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M., Thursday, November 12, 2026 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 P.M., Thursday with Pastor Xavier Valdivieso officiating. Burial will be at Lindenwood Cemetery in Lindenwood, IL with Military Honors by the Air Force Honor Guard and the Eastern Lee Ogle Honor Guard. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.