Clarence Cecil Williams

Our beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Friend, Clarence C. Williams of Dolores, Colorado was called home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Cottonwood Inn in Durango, Colorado with his wife, Shirley, by his side.
Clarence is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley Williams, of Dolores, CO; and their children Jim Williams, Bobby Williams, Linda (Bob) Sesler, and Sharon (Stan) Goodall, all of Cortez, CO. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, two sisters, and his grandson Michael Clarence Billy.
Clarence was born on February 16, 1937 in Ontario, California. He joined the U.S Airforce in 1954 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley, on July 9, 1954. While serving, he learned and became an aircraft instrument repairman and watchmaker. He opened his first jewelry store in Chino, California in 1959. During the 5 years he ran the jewelry store in Chino, he served as a reserve police officer and worked a short stent at General Dynamics helping design the guidance system on the Stinger Missile. In 1964, Clarence moved his wife and four children to Dolores, Colorado. Shortly after, he was hired on as a police officer on the Ute Mountain tribe reservation and was the assistant chief of police. A year after that, he became the Marshall of the town of Dolores. He served as Under Sheriff and then Sheriff of Montezuma County until 1973. Clarence did jewelry repair and ran a Hunting & Fishing outfitting and guiding service for many years. Clarence owned and operated the Jewel Box on Main Street in Cortez, CO where most got to know Clarence until October of 2013. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed all the visitors that would come into the store. Clarence started his days with God’s Word and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family, church family, and friends. He loved and treasured all his grandkids and great grandkids and truly adored all children and babies.
Clarence will be deeply missed by all who knew him and the family would like to thank the community for helping Clarence have such a wonderful and fulfilled life!