Gregory William Williams, 62, of Murray, Utah, passed away on the morning of Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, with his loving wife Leslie by his side. He bravely fought pancreatic cancer. Funeral services were held Aug. 15 at the Ridgecreek Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Murray. Interment was at Holden, Utah.
Greg was born June 22, 1953, in Williams. As a young boy he developed a passion for horses and roping, and excelled in every rodeo he entered. He attended Holbrook High School, where he was a well rounded athlete, participating in track, basketball and became quarterback of the football team. While playing football he received a scholarship to Arizona Western College. During that time he developed a love of learning and excelled scholastically.
He transferred to Brigham Young University, where he played football as a linebacker. It was there that he was baptized and confirmed a member of the LDS church. He earned a B.S. from BYU and a Master’s of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) from the American College in Byrn Mawr, Pa. He also earned numerous professional certifications and designations, including Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), Certification in Long Term Care (CLTC), Registered Financial Consultant (RFC), Certified Financial Educator (CFE), Certified Family Business Specialist (CFBS), Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). In addition, Greg became one of the first in the nation to earn his certification and designation as a Certified Exit Planner from the CExP Board of Standards.
Greg was frequently a speaker to organizations and conducted educational workshops. He believed that education was the first step in empowering individuals toward successfully addressing their financial dreams and ambitions. He was an adjunct professor of financial planning and taught in the Gore School of Business at Westminster College, as well as courses at UVU, UofU and BYU.
Though he had various careers throughout his life, he was passionate about education, and kept his mind sharp by studying and always getting another degree. He served on the board of the Jordan Education Foundation and helped fund scholarships for students in need for several years.
In 2002 he married Leslie Jean Dobson and became a second father to her five children, Todd (Rachelle) Buckner, Allison (Eric) Maxwell, Scott (Julie) Buckner, Michelle (Brad) Hansen and Timothy (Tara) Buckner, as well as 13 grandchildren. They were sealed in the Laie Hawaii Temple on Oct. 17, 2003.
In April 2009, he served an inner city service mission with his wife Leslie. His love of learning transferred to a deep study of the gospel. This greatly impacted his life, and strengthened his testimony and love for service.
Survivors includes his wife Leslie and her children and grandchildren; his sister, Barretta Perkins; two nieces, Chari Perkins and Donette Maestas; and two nephews, Jason Perkins and Shawn Perkins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Barrett Bill Williams and Elizabeth May Cravey.
He is greatly loved and respected by his wife, family and all who knew him.
Murray Memorial Mortuary was in charge of the arrangements.
