Timothy John Williams

Timothy John WilliamsMarch 20, 1969 — October 1, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Timothy John Williams, who passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.Born on March 20, 1969 in Corning, California, Tim lived a life defined by service, dedication, family and a mischievous sense of humor that made him one of a kind. While he spent more than three decades serving the people of California through CDF/CAL FIRE, those who knew him best knew there was much more to Tim than his uniform. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who loved deeply, laughed often and always found a way to keep people on their toes.A Life of ServiceTim graduated from King City High School in 1987 and went straight into the fire service, beginning a career that would span more than 33 years. His journey began as a fire explorer before becoming a volunteer firefighter with SoMoCo Fire, which is now Pine Canyon Company 31. In June of 1987, he began working as a seasonal firefighter with CDF San Benito-Monterey Unit. Along the way, he also served as an emergency medical technician with Peninsula Paramedics and volunteered with the Soledad Volunteer Fire Department.In 1994, Tim was promoted to fire apparatus engineer at the CAL FIRE Hollister station. In 1996, he transferred to the Lassen-Modoc Unit, where he served at both Grasshopper and Westwood stations. His commitment and leadership led to his promotion to Fire Captain at Antelope Camp in 2002.Tim was promoted to Battalion Chief of Forestry Training at the Susanville Training Center in 2012. Tim was instrumental in training members of the California National Guard to become wildland firefighters. Tim was also involved in training California National Guard helicopter pilots that flew missions for the Military Helicopter Manager Program. During the winter months, when fire activity was slow, Tim signed on with CAL TRANS operating snow removal vehicles and other equipment helping to keep Northern California roads open.Tim retired on December 30, 2020, from CAL FIRE as a Battalion Chief, leaving behind a distinguished career built on courage, hard work and an unwavering commitment of protecting others. Throughout his career, Tim helped shape the lives and careers of countless firefighters. He took great pride in training, mentoring and helping others succeed. To those who worked alongside him, he was more than a leader; he was a trusted colleague, a mentor and a brother. His steady presence, humility, and dedication to his CAL FIRE family earned him the respect of all who had the privilege of serving beside him. The lessons he taught, the people he mentored and the friendships he built will remain part of his legacy for years to come.After retirement, Tim and Julie relocated to Chino Valley, Arizona. It’s no surprise, he just couldn’t sit around and not do anything. He joined the Yavapai County Sheriff Search and Rescue OHV Unit. He enjoyed taking out his side-by-side on rescues and continued serving the community.Family, Hunting and MemoriesOutside of his career, Tim had a love for hunting and guns. Some of his most treasured memories were made on hunting trips with his dad, Cliff. Those trips were about more than the hunt; they were about time spent together, the stories shared, and the special bond between a father and son. Those memories will forever hold a special place in their hearts and remain a lasting reminder of the time they shared. They also shared the joy of the annual Pigeon Camp weekend in Lockwood for more memories together and with great friends.Tim was a dedicated husband and father. He watched the girls grow up and was there for numerous softball games, basketball games, dance recitals, clay pigeon shoots, graduations and so much more. He enjoyed going to Nascar races, side-by-side drives and camping trips.Tim also had a personality that was impossible to forget. He was goofy, mischievous and always ready to make people laugh. He loved photo bombing pictures and “letting people know they were #1 in his own way” whenever the opportunity presented itself. Whether he was caught in the background of a photograph or giving someone his signature you’re #1, Tim had a way of making ordinary moments memorable. He didn’t need a reason to be silly, and he certainly didn’t need permission. Life was a whole lot more entertaining with Tim around. His humor, his laughter, his antics and his ability to make people laugh were part of what made him so special. Those memories will bring smiles for years to come even through the sadness of missing him.To his sister, Karen, he will forever be her favorite butthead. It was a title he undoubtedly earned, and one she will lovingly carry with her for the rest of her life. Beneath the teasing, the eyerolling and the brotherly aggravation was a lifelong bond that only a brother and sister can truly understand. No matter how much he drove her crazy, and vise-versa, he was her brother, and no one could ever take his place.Those he leaves behindTim leaves behind his loving parents, Cliff and Stella Williams; his sister, Karen (Duke) Green; his beloved wife, Julie and their three girls, Jamie (Alex), Jessie and Jewel. He is also survived by his niece, Megan (Andrew) Van Sickle; his nephew Justin (Marissa) Haley; along with extended family, dear friends, and the many members of his CAL FIRE family who will forever hold him in their hearts.Tim’s family was by his side as he peacefully passed, a reflection of the love that surrounded him throughout his life. His battle with cancer was long and courageous, and he fought hard. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, the love he gave and the memories he created will never be lost.Tim will be deeply missed, forever loved and never forgotten. His watch may have ended, but his legacy lives on in the firefighters he mentored, the family he adored and the countless people who will smile every time they remember one of his antics.Rest easy, Tim. Thank you for your service, your leadership, your laughter, and the memories you leave behind.A celebration of Tim’s life will be held on November 14, 2026, 11am at the Patterson Ranch—69125 Jolon Rd, Bradley, California 93426. Approx. ½ mile south of Lockwood Volunteer Fire Station. Family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and loved Tim are invited to gather, share stories, laugh, support and celebrate a life that made a lasting difference.If you are planning to attend, please text Karen with your RSVP count, and include your full name to 831-809-3305. Country casual attire recommended.