Richard (Rich) James Williams was born in Hawthorne, Nevada January 2, 1968 to Thomas Williams and Carol Barton. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and grandfather, who courageously lost his battle with cancer surrounded by his wife and kids. He fought the good fight with unwavering faith until the end and is now with Jesus, free from pain and in perfect health. After graduating from high school in Gerlach, Nevada in 1986, Rich immediately travelled to Montana and made it his home. His first career in the Rocky Mountains was at the Montana Tunnels mine, where he worked as a lab technician for 20 years until the mine closed in 2006. During this time, he married the love of his life, Debbie McTaggart, on March 26, 1993. Following that, he passionately pursued taxidermy, starting his own business and quickly earning recognition as an award winning taxidermist due to his keen attention to detail. Later, he worked for Monarch Taxidermy, where he had the opportunity to mount exotic animals from all over the world. The journey continued when he became CEO at Four O Six Underground, working for his nephew and applying his exceptional leadership skills. Rich’s final and most fulfilling career was building pristine homes through his company, Cross Timber Homes. He was a man of integrity, honesty, strength, and leadership, with a playful sense of humor, while always remaining protective of his family. He loved travelling and embarking on road trips, eager to savor the unique flavors of each destination. At home, he took great pleasure in cooking meat on his Traeger, constantly striving to perfect the craft. His fondest memories are of the countless family adventures to the Oregon Coast, where he reveled in fishing, crabbing, and enjoying fresh seafood. He also loved spending time in Glacier, hiking the many trails of Montana, and hunting and fishing with his children. He had a deep love for kayaking, golf, and gardening, taking great joy in sharing the fruits of his labor. He was passionate about sharing his faith and had a heart to help with missions wherever he could, especially in Nepal and with his daughter living in Tanzania. Rich’s journey on Earth has come to an end, but his legacy will live on through his children and his cherished grandson. He was the rock of his family, and his loved ones will carry the weight of missing him for a lifetime. He is survived by his wife Debbie, three children–Zachery (and Megan) Genthner, Samantha Williams, Dakota Williams–and his Grandson, Taggart.
Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Last Chance Chapel, 6240 Raven Road. A reception will follow the service at the Last Chance Chalpel Lodge. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the reception.
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 3, 2025
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Friday January 3, 2025
Last Chance Chapel Lodge
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday January 3, 2025
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 3, 2025
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Friday January 3, 2025
Last Chance Chapel Lodge
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday January 3, 2025
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Gregory Bonilla says
Debbie and Family,
I’m so sorry about Rich’s passing. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.
Kaylin and Mike Miller says
Our love and prayers to Zach and Megan and their family. So very sorry for your loss.
Shohneen Bickler says
Debbie, I’m so sorry about Rich’s passing! Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family!
Kayann Stone says
Love never dies, his legacy lives on.
Kathleen Broussard says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen and Kory Broussard
Prem says
Dear Family, I wish I could attend this life celebration event of our incredible father in Faith for my family. We love you all William family and praying May God continually strengthen all of us. We send our Love from Nepal.
Colleen Tiffany says
Debbie and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Richard was a precious man of God. He was a man’s man. They’re so few of them that love the Lord. I’m so glad that we know that we will see him again! Praying for your family during this difficult time.
Lisa Wordal says
Dear Debbie and family
So very sorry to hear of Rich’s passing and the tremendous loss to your family. Rich was an awesome multi gifted man. His faith filled strength and love for his family was evident in how he lived his life. It was a privilege to have known him.
Much love and many prayers for you all.
David Martin says
Debbie and Carol, so sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. He fought the good fight and is not in pain anymore. Patty and I love you guys and we hurt with you both. We’ll reach out next week….love David and Patty Martin
Paul Williams says
I am so sorry for your loss Debbie and kids! Loved Rich like a brother and was a brother in Christ!! I have no words. He was so fun to do things with. And was a fantastic taxidermist. I just talked with him not long back. And he still had that fire and was strong as ever in his faith!! God bless him and his whole family!!! He will be dearly missed until we meet up with him and the Lord!!! If you guys need anything let me know!!
Jeri Goodwin says
Debbie and family I’m sorry for the passing of Rich. Heaven gained a worrier with Rich. He wad a friend and a mentor. He certainly will be missed.
judy baker says
Debbie – sending love, prayers and encouragement to you and your family. May God’s peace settle over you now and in the days to come. With much love. Judy
Angela Manning says
Dear family. I am stunned to hear about Richard. He was an amazing person and I will never forget him. While his dad was married in my mom, Ginny, Richard was my step brother and friend. I am so glad and thankful for the opportunity to know him. He came to Florida many years ago and I showed him a real alligator. lol.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love. Angie