Dennis was born in Newton, Kan., to Milo and Elizabeth Zimmerman Williams and the family moved to Albany when he was 5. He attended both Albany and Tangent schools, becoming an Eagle Scout and graduated from Albany Union High School in 1956.
After serving four years as a photographer in the Navy, he returned to Albany and married Sharon Lee Hart in 1960. They had two children and divorced in 1975. He married Elizabeth Graff Wood who had two children in 1979 and they resided in Tangent for 16 tears before moving to Albany.
Dennis wore many hats during his working career and retirement: volunteer firefighter for Albany and Tangent, fire chief and research chemist at ATI Wah Chang, industrial glassblower, and his favorite: deputy sheriff and lead dispatcher for Linn County Sheriff's 911 Center.
Retirement brought an interest in rocks and lapidary and he made many beautiful pendants and earrings. Throughout his life he mentored many and always encouraged others to "pay it forward."
Dennis loved to belong to a number of organizations and will be remembered as a past member of Mensa, Grand Prairie School Board member, Tangent City Council, president of Sweet Home Rock & Mineral Society, Linn County Arts Guild, AM Vets and volunteer at the Albany Eagles.
His surviving family includes his wife, Liz; daughter Denise Kay Goebel and husband Ed; son Scott LeRoy Williams and wife Shelly; Nicole Wood and husband Ty; Bryant and Marjorie Wood (Tim) Buster; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His brother, Ival, died before him.
Dennis will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and will be remembered for his great sense of humor.
His life celebration service will be at noon Saturday, April 5, at the Albany Eagles, 127 N. Broadalbin St., Albany. Food will follow.
Contributions are requested to Search and Rescue, Linn County SAR, PO Box 100, Albany, OR 97321.