Ronald Eugene Williams

Ronald Eugene Williams, 80, of Springfield, passed away March 1, 2020. Williams was born Dec. 15, 1939 in Farber to Olive Mae (Marquett) and J.T. Williams. Following his mother’s death in 1944 he was raised by his father and adoptive mother Dorotha (Jones) Williams Boggs in Scottsbluff, Neb.
Williams graduated from Scottsbluff High School and earned a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. He began his work life in radio and television in Mexico and Wichita, Kan. He moved to Springfield in 1968 to pursue a career in commercial insurance, joining Kelly-Williams Insurers, which he eventually purchased and merged with Ollis & Company. A Master Model Railroader and co-founder of the Ozarks Model Railroad Association, he was instrumental in the annual OMRA shows. He was also an active member of Second Baptist Church.
He is survived by: his wife, Joan Williams of Springfield; children, Jay (Debra) of LaPorte Ind., Kelly (Terry) Seaton of Nixa, Diana Maglott of Dallas, Shelly (Lynn) Youngberg of Mt. Vernon and Sandy (Steve) Nelson of Dallas; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held March 5, 2020, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Visitation was held March 4, 2020. Memorials may be made to Bridges For Youth and Ozarks Model Railroad Association.