Ralph E Williams

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph E. Williams, our loving and devoted husband, dad, grandpa (papa), great grandpa, brother in-law, uncle and friend to all whose lives he touched. He was born on June 25, 1933 in Rogers Ohio and passed away at home in Yucaipa, California Thursday morning March 31, 2022 surrounded by his family, and in the arms of his loving wife of 70 years Elizabeth (Betty).

He was the beloved dad to Dianne Martinez (Joe), Vickie Ireton (Edward Ireton preceded in death) and Steven Williams (Danielle). Ralph was also the very proud grandpa (papa) to 8 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Ralph married the love of his life, Betty, when he was 19 and she was 18; they began their marriage in Salem Ohio. Two years later they had their daughter Dianne. The family of three moved to Southern California in 1957 leaving both their parents and siblings behind so he could pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. Upon arriving in California he was hired at Kaiser Steel Mill in Fontana while waiting for his opportunity to join the police force. He joined the Police Department Reserves in January of 1957 and finished the Basic Law Enforcement Course for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He was hired as a Deputy Sheriff on February 1, 1959. He retired from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office as a Sergeant Specialized Detective in February of 1988 after 31 years of dedication to the profession that he loved and respected.

Before retiring from the Sheriff’s Department he started his own security company (Wilco Security Systems). His company was responsible for installing fire and burglary systems in thousands of residential, county and state buildings/businesses. Finally after more than 30 years of being a business owner he made the difficult decision to sell the company and give retirement one more try. After retirement he spent his days doing what made him feel happiest spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and traveling with his wife and friends. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank Wings of Hope Hospice for the love, kindness and compassion they had for Ralph and our family during his final days. We are sincerely grateful.
A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 11:00 at Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel, 35208 Yucaipa Blvd. Yucaipa California. A luncheon will immediately follow at 1:00pm at the Yucaipa Community Center, 34900 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, California.