BELLA VISTA — Harry Owen Williams Jr.

passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020, at age 84. He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Nov. 14, 1935, the son of Harry O. Williams Sr. and Irene Ratigan Williams.

As a child, Harry lived in Council Bluffs, Republican City, Neb., and Nappanee, Neb. Upon graduation from Nappanee High School in 1954, he worked construction in Kearney and Omaha, Neb.

He joined the National Guard and then went on to join the Army. Harry was stationed in Korea from 19581960 and was honorably discharged in 1963. He then returned to construction work in Nebraska and South Dakota. In 1961, he married Karen Engel. Together they traveled and lived in many places throughout the United States.

He was employed as an engineer which involved building oil power plants in Pittsburg, Pa., 1973-1975, nuclear power plants in New York City, 1975-1977, in Indiana, 1977-1978, in Nebraska City, Neb., 1978-1980, and in Granbury, Texas, 1980-1985. Harry then began building geothermal power plants in California, 1985-1987. For the next 10 years he worked on the elevated railroad in Philadelphia, Pa. He retired and moved to Bella Vista in 1997.

While dining with friends, Harry met and married Mary Beth Rich in 2004. During their marriage they traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad. When not traveling, Harry occupied his time by serving the Nomad Shriners’ Club and served as their hospital spokesman. He was also a greeter and participated in their Golf Cart Patrol.

Harry was a lifetime member of the VFW No. 9063. He participated in car shows and rallies where he won several trophies as a member of the Corvette Club.

Harry was an avid sports enthusiast, always cheering for the Cornhuskers and the Green Bay Packers; going fishing, hunting, and golfing. Harry loved to read and most days you had to pry a mystery book out of his hands! He enjoyed being a member of the Presbyterian Church and the Highlands Methodist Church in Bella Vista.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 34 years, his parents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held July 18 in Bella Vista at 2 p.m. Location to be determined. Memorials may be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave.,

St. Louis, Mo., 63110, or the Highlands Methodist Church, 371 Glasgow Road, Bella Vista, Ark., 72715. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.