Gregory “Willie” Williams, 57, died on Christmas morning (Dec. 25, 2015) at his home in rural Carlock. A celebration of life will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 3, 2015 at The Outpost in Armington. It will be a casual affair. Bring your favorite “Willie” story to share. Greg was born Aug. 4, 1958, in Peoria, to James and Joyce Conaway Williams. He grew up in Morton and graduated from Morton High School in 1976. He joined the Navy after graduation from high school. Willie married Renee Golden on April 25, 1986. She is trying to survive his death. He is also survived by his sisters, Jackie (John) Krueger, Lexington, and Vickie (Doyce) Warren, Armington. Also surviving are his nephews, Clint (Laura) Hagen, Will Krueger and Nik (Sabrina) McCord; nieces, Sonja Krueger and Angel (Jim) Thompson; a great-nephew, Christopher, who always “keeps him in his heart”; and two great-nieces, Katlyn and Jazzmine. He also leaves behind three very sad dogs, Larry, Lucy and Ramona. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepsons, Sam and Brandon Miller. Willie was a wonderful stepdad to Sam and Brandon. They looked up to him and sought his advice. He shared his love of music with them, and he was the strong father figure during their short lives. He was also their friend. Sam and Brandon knew that they could always count on Willie for anything. Willie had many friends who were touched by his humor, his wisdom, his generosity and his outlook on life. Willie lived life on his own terms. He was one of the founders of Normal N.O.R.M.L. and the short-lived Green Socks. Willie loved to fish, play poker, travel and just hang out with his many friends. He was a hard worker and believed that you have to work for whatever you want in this world. He had a passion for music. He and Renee would travel many miles just to hear a band or go to a show. He was generous to all who knew him and to strangers as well. He would often go out of his way to help someone who had fallen on hard times. Willie was a unique individual. Willie was a good man.