Verlie Ray Williams

A Joyful Celebration of the Life of Verlie Ray Williams

With joyful hearts and unshakable hope, we celebrate the homegoing of Verlie Ray Williams, who entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 19, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At 75 years young, Verlie traded this temporary life for eternal glory—and you can bet he arrived with a smile, a story, and probably a cup of coffee in hand.

Born on June 15, 1950, in Carthage, Missouri, Verlie lived a life overflowing with laughter, love, and purpose. After graduating from Carl Junction High School in 1968, he proudly served his country in the United States Army beginning in 1970. When he returned home, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work—first as a baker, where the early mornings and warm bread suited his servant’s heart, and later as a plumber and drain specialist with Roto-Rooter. He spent decades fixing problems no one else wanted to touch and doing it with excellence, honesty, and a grin that said, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

On September 14, 1973, Verlie married his sweetheart, Marquetta “Kay” Rice, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and fun. In 2004, they moved to Skiatook, Oklahoma, where their home became a gathering place for grandkids, friends, and anyone who needed a listening ear or a laugh.

Verlie had a deep love for the great outdoors, especially when it came to deer hunting. He spent countless mornings in the woods in pursuit of the legendary buck he lovingly named “Leroy.” Whether or not Leroy ever showed up, Verlie was always grateful just to be out there—breathing the cool air, soaking in the silence, and enjoying God’s creation.

He was also a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and never missed a race when Dale Earnhardt’s No. 3 car was on the track. But the real race Verlie loved was the one that led him to Jesus. And that’s the part of his story we celebrate most.

At a beautiful point in his life, Verlie gave his heart fully to Jesus Christ—and from then on, he walked in grace, peace, and purpose. He didn’t just believe, he lived it. He became a Royal Rangers leader at his church, teaching young boys how to build fires, throw tomahawks, and—more importantly—how to be men of faith. Verlie’s faith wasn’t flashy; it was steady, strong, and real. It changed everything about him, and he never stopped pointing others toward the hope he found in Christ.

Verlie leaves behind a legacy of love: his cherished wife Kay Williams; children Dena Ames Tyler (Tim), Billie Williams Blackburn (Karl), and Esther Murillo; sister Helen Boman; seven amazing grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of family and friends who will carry his joy, his stories, and his heart with them forever.

He is now reunited with his parents Cecil and Shareline Williams, his brother Cecil Laverne Williams, and his sister Geneva Reed—and no doubt they’re already gathered around the table, laughing, hugging, and swapping stories, while Verlie finally tells Leroy he was the one that got away.

Verlie would want you to know this: Heaven is real, and Jesus is worth it. If you haven’t said “yes” to Him yet, today’s the perfect day. There’s room at the table, and Verlie’s saving you a seat.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Until we see him again—love deeply, live fully, laugh often, and follow Jesus home.