Skip to main content
With the Lord

Roger Lee Williams Sr., Pastor

By February 5, 2016February 8th, 2016No Comments

Williams_inlineMESA, Ariz.—Roger Lee Williams Sr., a pastor, died Feb. 2. He was 84.

Roger was raised outside Grove, Oklahoma, and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1941. He attended the University of Illinois before graduating from Moody Bible Institute in 1955.

He went on to serve in pastoral roles, leading his churches through numerous building projects. Wherever he was ministering, he actively supported the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches and faithfully served in the association’s state fellowships.

Roger was associate pastor at Belden Avenue Baptist Church in Chicago from 1957 to 1960 and pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, from 1960 to 1970. He then founded Calvary Baptist Church in Mesa, Arizona, and served as its pastor from 1970 until his retirement in 1998.

Roger joked about flunking retirement and went back to work as a small engine mechanic, working for Gothic Landscape before finishing with Green Innovations in the fall of 2015.

Over the years he served on the board at Shepherd’s Home and School in Union Grove, Wisconsin. He was also actively involved in the ministries of Camp Manitoumi in Illinois, Camp Fairwood in Wisconsin, and Camp Tishomingo in northern Arizona.

Roger loved the Lord and preaching God’s Word. He was not a talkative man, but many people appreciated his wise counsel, wry sense of humor, and consistent example of fidelity, integrity, humility, and service.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna; his children, Roger, Scott, Linda Dueck, Dale Williams, Todd Williams, and Jeannette Clark; 17 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Feb. 12, 5:00–8:00 p.m., at Bunker Funeral Home, University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213. The funeral service will be Feb. 13, 10:00 a.m., at Calvary Baptist Church, 3810 E. University Drive, Mesa AZ 85205. The graveside service will follow at noon at Mesa City Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to Camp Tishomingo, a ministry to which Roger was deeply committed over the years: Camp Tishomingo, c/o Jim Rakoci, 10075 N. Scott Dr., Casa Grande AZ 85122.