Hank Willliams

Hank Williams, Jr., age 66, of La Grande, died July 18, 2007 at his home. A graveside service will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 23, 2007 at the Summerville Cemetery. A gathering for family and friends will follow.

Hank was born on April 26, 1941, the son of Henry Jackson and Verna Neona (Shaffer) Williams in La Grande. At the age of three he picked up his first guitar and over the years learned to play many instruments. At the age of twelve he was playing for dances at the Rockwall Grange. He attended La Grande School and then enlisted in the United States Navy. After a medical discharge he returned to Oregon and was a musician most of his life. He spent many years in the Hermiston/Stanfield area where he was a Charter Member of the Moose Lodge. He later moved to Portland where he continued with his music and became known as Oregon's own Hank Williams, Jr. During his time in Portland he completed training at a local Barber School and owned and operated his own Barber Shop. He later moved to Carson, Washington for a few months before returning to La Grande. On August 12, 2001 he married Deborah Thompson. He continued his music for local fairs and organizations over the years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, knitting and crocheting. He loved to read, work on his computer and tying flies.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie Williams of La Grande; brother and sister-in-law, Darrel and Phyllis Williams of Hermiston; sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Jonnie Gibbs of La Grande; and other relatives and many friends.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Hank to the Oregon Heart Association in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850. To view the entire obituary or sign the guestbook on-line visit: www.danielschapel.com.