Joe David Williams

On June 4, 2021 Joe David "JD" Williams, loving father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the age of 87. JD was born to forrest and Elsie Lavera Williams in Cimarron, New Mexico on December 26, 1933. He and his family moved to Ridgecrest in 1942 where he graduated Burroughs High School in 1951. JD started working for Gillette Trucking Company soon after graduation eventually working his way up to Truck Line Manager, he would leave this job and finish out his working career in public works on the naval base at China Lake, CA. In 1969 JD became an integral part of the Ridgecrest community when he opened JD's Bar, a country western bar that featured live music, this is where he met stars such as Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Red Simpson, an Barbara Mandrel. The bar was sold in 1977 so he could focus on other passions such as traveling, and spending time with family. One of JD's biggest passions was his love for motorcycles and desert racing, he was featured in many magazines such as Motor Cycling News and Cycle World that highlighted his true skills on a motorcycle. JD raced for Triumph Motorcycles and in the Desert Racing Club form the 1950's to the 1970's as he was a part of the "Sandblasters" desert racing group which is know today as District 37 Desert Racing. Other passions include western movies, NASCAR, and collecting memorabilia. JD was fun, adventurous, kind and most of all a true family man that loved his children more than anything.

JD is preceded in death by his three wives: Rubye Cautrell, Wanda Williams, and Phyllis Williams. JD is survived by his brother and his wife Victor and Angie Williams of Sacramento, CA, 4 children and their spouses: David and Sheila Williams of Ridgecrest, CA, Greg and Kim Edwards of Ridgecrest, CA, Lisa and Bill Meyer of Ventura, CA and Barry and Wanda Edwards of Ridgecrest, CA. He will be dearly missed by his 5 grandchildren: Chris Newton, Blake Edwards, Crystal Ernst, Jessica Edwards and Katherine Edwards and 5 great-grandchildren: Isaiah Edwards, Haley Newton, Harper Byrd, Jameson Ernst and Emma Guzman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jo who was JD's primary physician for 20+ years, Carol Wilkie, Ana Rivera and Premier Hospice.

A funeral service will be held June 21,2021 at the Elk's Lodge at 10:00 AM. Pallbearers will include: Barry Edwards, David Williams, Greg Edwards, Chris Newton, Chad Byrd and Isaiah Edwards. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Elk's Lodge of Ridgecrest or the USO building would be greatly appreciated.