BENTON — Guy Williams, 87, of Benton, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
He was born Aug. 26, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana, to Ora Stanford and Sadie Irene (Cavins) Williams. He married Jan Marie Malkovich on May 6, 1967. The couple had two children and remained together until her death in 2009.
Mr. Williams served honorably in the U.S. Navy as a gunner’s mate attached to the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. A proud veteran, he traveled the world and enjoyed sharing sea stories throughout his life.
A bricklayer by trade, Mr. Williams was a 50-year member of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 8. He learned the craft from his father, uncle and cousin, eventually working on numerous sites across the region. His expertise and passion for the trade earned him the nickname “Professor” from coworkers during the construction of the Big Muddy River Correctional Center.
His love for golf began as a child while caddying at Helfrich Golf Course in Evansville. A longtime member of Rend Lake Golf Course, he cherished his time in the men’s league and frequent golf trips to Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his stepmother, Mary (Woody) Williams; and siblings Norma Irene, Fern Evelyn, Gary Richard, Andy, Terry and Jeanita.
Survivors include two children, Gary Williams and wife Lauren Bonner, and Gyla and husband Mike Myers; four granddaughters, Mimi and Joni Williams, and Lauren and Lola Myers; siblings Stanley and wife Jean Ann Williams, David and wife Debbie Williams, and Rita and husband Kevin Acieri; brothers-in-law John and wife Tracey Malkovich, Mark and wife Apryl Malkovich, and Tom and wife Eileen Malkovich; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
As was his wish, cremation services will be held. No memorial service is planned at this time. The Leffler Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences and memories may be shared at lpfuneralhome.com.