Richard "Dick" James Williams

Richard James Williams, 92, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2023, of natural causes. Dick, as he was known, was born on May 12, 1931, in Panguitch, Utah, to James Clarence (Shupe) Williams and Cecil Dean Norton Williams. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he grew up in the idyllic small town of Panguitch, playing with friends, helping his neighbors during the Great Depression, and going fishing with his father on Panguitch Lake.

After moving to Salt Lake City with his family during World War II, he worked for Liberty Park where he developed a love for the amusement park business. During his life, Dick owned and operated three amusement parks: one in Kearns, Utah, one in Murray, Utah, and culminating with the “Fun Spot” in Boise, Idaho.

Dick served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War before returning home to marry and start his family. He studied education at the University of Utah while working for El Paso Natural Gas Company, but loved to hunt and fish, preferring to be outdoors to any other activity. He could also swing a mean golf club.

Dick was a man of strong moral principles and integrity. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Shauna Marie Williams (Washington, Utah), her four children with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, four children from his first marriage to Laverne Nonpariel Crowley, Richard Shane Williams, Salt Lake City, Utah, Lance Clenné Williams Salt Lake City, Utah, Darren James Williams (Christina), Lapoint, Utah, and Wendy Cecilia Anderson (Chris), Salt Lake City, Utah, a stepson from his second marriage to Marion Sharpe Barber, Dan Barber (Jackie), Centerville, Utah, a close family friend Michael Tase, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, James Clarence Williams and Cecil Dean Williams, uncle, Ken Norton, sister, Gwendlyn Christensen, three stepchildren, Diane Williams, Jeff Barber, and Ted Barber, and two grandchildren, John Adam Smith and Tonya Lynn Smith.

Funeral Services will be September 8, 2023, at 10:00 am, at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah. Friends may call September 7, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. at the same location, and again on September 8, 2023, from 9:00 – 10:00 am, prior to services. The interment will take place in the Toquerville Cemetery, 1186 Toquerville Blvd, Toquerville, Utah, following the service.

Friends and family that are unable to attend the services in person are welcome attend virtually by clicking the link below:

Video on Demand

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to offset funeral expenses directly to Spilsbury Mortuary. Please call 435.673.2454 for link.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah, (435) 673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to sign Dick’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.