Larry Williams

October 19, 1958 - January 31, 2025

Larry Williams was born on October 19, 1958, in Coolidge, Arizona, to Charlie Mae Black and Ernest Williams. He passed away on January 31, 2025.

Larry was raised by his mother and his stepfather, Ernest Rushing, Sr. He was the third eldest among the eleven children born to this union, which included six boys and five girls.

His formal education was completed within the Coolidge Unified School District. As a young man, Larry held various positions including roles at the Arizona Training Program, the River Co-Op Gin, and the Arizona Highway Department. During mealtimes, his siblings would often tease him, particularly when the meal included bread or sandwiches, as Larry had a penchant for consuming five to six slices of bread with each meal. When it came to sandwiches, he would compress the meat between two slices of bread, ensuring that nothing would fall out. Larry was known for his comedic nature, often enjoying playful antics and practical jokes. He had a unique talent for assigning nicknames to everyone he encountered, with each name seemingly suiting the individual perfectly.  Larry or “Uncle Swap Meet” as his nieces would call him was also characterized by his quirky habits, frequently tinkering with items such as watches and cell phones, which he would clean and sell for a small profit.

Prior to his passing, Larry accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He was preceded in death by his biological father, Ernest Williams, his stepfather, Ernest Rushing, Sr., brothers George Rushing (Sue), Charles Chumbley, Greg Rushing, and sister Paula Rushing. 

 He is survived by his mother, Charlie Mae Rushing, brothers Ernest Rushing, Jr., Roy Rushing (Nikki), sisters Brenda Rushing, Shirley Caesar (California), Loretha Rushing, and Betty Nelson (Thomas) along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will cherish his memory.

Services will be February 21, 2025 at New Destiny Christian Center, 2050 E. Coolidge Avenue, Coolidge, AZ.  Bishop Vince Smith presiding.  Viewing 10am – 11am, Services at 11am