Ellis “Wayne” Williams, 87, passed away on September 3, 2025.

Ellis “Wayne” Williams, age 87, passed away peacefully at his Table Rock Lake home on September 3, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born November 27, 1937, in Henley, Missouri, Wayne was the youngest of Dugan and Beulah Williams’ children. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Geneva Engelbrecht, and together they raised four children.

Wayne served 27 years with the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department, where he was known as “Willy” and found his calling fighting fires and driving fire trucks. A lifelong Cardinals fan and outdoorsman, Wayne loved fishing and hunting. After retirement, he and Geneva moved permanently to Table Rock Lake, where he enjoyed fishing, boating, karaoke, gambling trips, the Elks, and entertaining family and friends at the lake
Wayne will be remembered for his quick wit, generous heart, and his unwavering love for family, friends, dogs, Chiefs, and lake life. His legacy will live on in the laughter and cocktails on the dock, the smell of a fish fry, and the sound of country music drifting over the water.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Dugan and Beulah Williams; his brother, Glen Williams; sisters: Evelyn Case and Lola Engelbrecht; daughter-in-law, Mary Cation Williams; and great-grandson, Joseph Anderson.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Geneva Joan (Engelbrecht) Williams; four children: Kevin (Patty) Williams, Kimberley (Mark) Anderson, Kathy (Peter) Williams-Griffin, and Keith Williams; five grandchildren: Clint (Cassie) Williams, Becky Anderson (Chris) Poitras, Sean (Meghan) Anderson, Erik (Tiffany) Anderson, and Bryan Anderson; and five great-grandchildren: Cooper and Carson Poitras, Cameron, Knox, and Violet Anderson; as well as bonus grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchild. He is also remembered with love by many adoring nieces and nephews, extended family, and countless friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Kimberling City Elks Lodge with visitation at 11:30 a.m., Service at Noon, and light luncheon to follow. Memorials may be made to the Kimberling Elks Children’s Christmas Fund. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit http://www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.