Gilbert Clifford 'Gil' Williams

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Williams, Gilbert "Gil" Clifford 87, passed away peacefully on November 22 after a brief illness. After growing up on the family farm, Gil graduated from Pine Island High School. At 18 years old, he traveled to Utah and became an Agent Telegrapher for the railroad. This sparked his interest in transportation and in 1971 Gil became the proud owner of a transportation consulting company and spent the last 52 years growing Williams & Associates into a successful Bloomington business. He was well known for his brilliant business mind and his work ethic and dedication as he continued to work 6 days a week up until his recent hospitalization. Gil has numerous accomplishments including being named Small Business Person of the Year in both Minneapolis and Bloomington, serving locally with the Jaycees, Bloomington Youth Commission, first Chairman of the Bloomington HRA, and the Bloomington School Board. He was President of the Bloomington Community Foundation since 1996 and was recognized by the Bloomington Historical Society as one of Bloomington's 100 Most Notable Residents. He shared his time and talents with many schools and universities and was a frequent speaker at transportation seminars throughout the country. Gil was proud to serve his country in the US Army and was quickly recognized as a leader and promoted to Seargent First Class. But it was back in school while in the Future Farmers of America that he felt the call to give back to others to make the community stronger. Because of his generosity, he was able to touch countless lives and have a profound impact on the residents and organizations in the city of Bloomington. Gil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy, parents Clifford and Hulda, sister Marlene, and brother Bill. He is survived by sons Ron (Diana) and Larry (Sharon). Grandchildren Ryan (Charlene), Heather (Dan Bennett), Blake and Shelby. Siblings Chris (Nancy) and Helen Durst. Brother-in-law Jim Esser (Rae) and sisters-in-law Christie Williams and Jeanmarie Esser. Great-Grandchildren Isabelle, Lincoln, Jamison, Winston and Knoxxyn and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by many friends and business associates, including his valued employees and cherished friends at the Minnesota Valley Country Club. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 30 from 4 - 7:00 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy, 2300 W Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington. Visitation will also be held on Friday, December 1 from 10-11:00 a.m. at Pax Christi Catholic Community Church, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00. Memorials are preferred to the Bloomington Community Foundation, Bloomington Center for the Arts or Normandale Community College. These are organizations that Gil was honored to support and a contribution to continue his legacy would be preferred over flowers. Washburn-McReavy.com Werness Brothers 952-884-8145 2300 W. Old Shakopee Rd.

Published on November 26, 2023