Dr. Roy G. Williams, 90, of Missoula, Montana, passed away on May 14, 2026, with his wife, Suzanne, by his side.

Roy was born on October 7, 1935, in Hamilton, Montana, to Walter Williams and Lena Powers Williams. Raised in the Bitterroot Valley, Roy developed the strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and deep love for the outdoors that would define his life. As a boy, he spent time in the Boy Scouts, explored the mountains and rivers surrounding Hamilton, and often joked about how much he hated picking raspberries for extra money as a kid. At the age of 16, he began traveling to Alaska during the summers to work alongside his brother, Ralph, in Fairbanks, beginning a lifelong passion for adventure and hard work.

After graduating from Hamilton High School, Roy joined the Marine Corps alongside his best friend, Rex Hendrickson. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, beginning at Montana State University, then the University of Montana, transferring to the University of Idaho and ultimately earning his Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, in 1966.

While attending college, Roy became a Missoula smokejumper from 1960 to 1965, using the demanding and dangerous work to help pay for school. During his years as a smokejumper, he was stationed in Grangeville, Idaho, where he met his future wife, Suzanne Best, on a blind date. They were married in 1963, and it would have been 1 month short of 63 years in June. Together, they later moved to Forest Grove while Roy completed his optometry degree. Their relationship grew through years of hard work, adventure, and shared dreams.

In 1966, they returned to Missoula, where Roy opened his optometric practice. For more than three decades, he cared for generations of patients with dedication, compassion, and professionalism. He remained a respected optometrist in the community until retiring from practice in 2000.

Retirement gave Roy even more time to pursue the passions that had always defined him. An avid outdoorsman, he loved elk hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, biking, and kayaking rivers throughout the West. Roy spent countless days exploring the mountains, trails, and wilderness areas of Western Montana, often sharing those adventures with family and friends. Some of his happiest moments were spent hiking mountain trails, camping under the stars, and teaching his children and grandchildren to appreciate the beauty and peace of the outdoors.

In the 70’s, alongside his lifelong friend Roger Savage, he co-founded the BOWS group — “Boys on Wednesday” — where friendships have been strengthened through countless hiking, biking, skiing, and outdoor adventures.

Roy and Suzanne also shared a deep love of travel. They created lasting memories traveling throughout the world, with adventures to Europe, New Zealand, China, Nepal, Thailand, and Africa.

He lived a life marked by resilience, curiosity, humor, humility, and quiet strength. Whether on a mountain trail, floating down a river, helping a patient, or spending time with those he loved, Roy embraced life fully and inspired others to do the same.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Juanita, Violet, Mildred, and Ralph.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Williams; son Chad Williams (Annie), grandchildren Hannah and Carl; daughter Nickey Davis (Joel); and granddaughter Kortney Kellogg (Bridger).

Roy’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the patients he cared for, the friendships he built, and the many trails, rivers, mountains, and ski slopes where he felt most at home.

A celebration of Roy’s life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to spend time outdoors, take on an adventure, and cherish time with the people they love — something Roy believed was one of life’s greatest gifts.

Garden City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.