Gregory Scott Williams
Obituary
Gregory Scott Williams
“Captain Gregario”
Greg Williams was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 25, 1958 to Paul Raymond “Ray” Williams and Ruth (Spess) Morris and passed away from this life April 20, 2016. Greg attended Cascia Hall and graduated from Cleveland High School, Cleveland, Oklahoma. Greg attended University of Oklahoma and Tulsa Community College and graduated from Southern Nazarene College. He was an electrician by trade and worked for the cities of Tulsa and Santa Cruz, California. Greg also was fluent in Spanish and a licensed sea captain.
Greg learned to sail as a young man at Grand Lake. He found his passion in life and from that time forward worked towards his dream of sailing around the world. He spent many years sailing the Pacific Coast living on his boat in some of the most beautiful ports in California. Greg left Santa Cruz and sailed to Mexico via the Panama Canal. Greg made it to Progresso, Mexico and was preparing his boat for the next leg of his voyage while he passed away from complications from a motorcycle accident.
Greg had many friends from all over the world. He was a performer at heart and enjoyed entertaining people of all ages. His magic tricks and jokes were legendary and made him an instant hit wherever he traveled. He never met a stranger. Greg loved to make people laugh. He was a kind, loving person who was always ready to lend a hand to someone in need. “Greg had a heart as big as the oceans he loved to sail”. Greg was loved and will be missed by many many people.
Greg is preceded in death by his parents, Ray Williams and Ruth (Spess) Morris, sister-in-law Margaret (Barrington) Williams, and his infant son. He is survived by; his brother Paul Williams and wife Marydith, sisters, Priscilla Givens, Melissa Basse and husband Lonnie, and Jennifer Morrison and husband Ken. Greg had a special place in the hearts of his nieces and nephews. He regaled them with stories and delighted them with magic. Those missing him include; Megan (Williams) Laboy, Katherine (Williams) Smith, Brigette, Phillip, and Margo Basse, Andy, Phillip, Michael Givens, and Elizabeth (Givens) Gibson, Dustin, Leslie Neal, and Alex (Neal) Wilkerson. He is also survived by his ex-wife Lizbeth Gutierrez Araiza and his wonderful “Auntie Em” Emmy Wixson.
We want to say a special thanks to his many friends in Progresso, Mexico. Their love of Greg was incredibly heartwarming and their help returning him home was invaluable. Lastly, we want to give special recognition to Sonya Moyer VanGelderen. Greg called her “his angel” and she truly was his guardian angel. Her kindness and generous spirit lifted Greg and we now feel she is part of our own extended family.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I remember Greg well. I was the one who left San Diego with him on his boat. I was with him until we got to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was a very unusual person who could talk you into sharing his passion. We met at Marina Cortez where we both lived on boats. I left him and went home from Puerto Vallarta because I didn't want to go broke. He spent most of my money but I'm glad to hear he made it around Panama. Curious who footed the bill for that. I got tired of paying for everything. Very sorry to hear of his death.
Susan Ison
I am so sorry for your loss. I just now found out. I wish I had known so I could have come to the service. I have been wondering why I hadn't heard from Greg. The last time we spoke he said the reception wasn't the greatest in Mexico so I shouldn't worry if he was out cell phone range from time to time. We were always in touch on the holidays and every year he'd send me a text on Thanksgiving and Christmas. When I didn't hear from him and he didn't respond to my Happy Thanksgiving, I called him and someone answered and said I had the wrong number...and then I read on facebook "Remembering" Greg Williams. I'm typing this now in shock and disbelief. Greg was always so full of life. I just don't know what to say... Although I only met Priscilla and Melissa (Boo, as Greg called you) once, I did spend several occasions with Greg and his mom before she passed away. She was a very sweet lady and Greg loved her with all of his heart. And he loved all of his family too. Greg was a sweet, caring, good friend and I miss him very much. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Dolly
Dolly Dobson