Ryan Williams

Ryan Edward "Willy" Williams passed away on September 21, 2026, at the age of 42. He left behind a family that loved him dearly: his two children, Karson and Brooklyn Williams, along with countless friends and family.

Ryan was born on March 9, 1984, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to Edward Leo Williams and Lana Kim Spaugy. He spent many of his younger years there with his Mimi, Kathlene Cole, whom he loved dearly. The Arkansas Razorbacks, his southern roots, and his Mimi's influence were ingrained in who he was.

The family later spent a short time in California before moving to Utah to be closer to family. Ryan grew especially close to his cousin Rory during those years, and the two remained close throughout his life.

Ryan married Michelle Renee at a young age; they later divorced. He went on to marry Kristy Murphy in Little Rock, Arkansas, and together they had two beautiful children, Karson and Brooklyn. At the time of his passing, Ryan was engaged to Destance Redman, and he truly loved her and her daughter, Hadlee.

Ryan loved basketball, football, wrestling, and anything Razorbacks. He loved dirt bikes, camping, family parties, and parties with his friends. He loved spending time with his kids and bragging about how special they were. He loved helping his mom and Wade whenever he could, and he loved his sister Christie and his little brother Trevor, both of whom he was so proud of. He always wanted to get everyone together for the holidays. Truly, he was the life of the party.

Ryan was preceded in death by his father, Eddie Williams; his "Mimi," Kathlene Cole; his "Gigi," Linda Allison; his grandfather's Lynn Spaugy, Leo Williams, and his Aunt Debra Backus Hayes.

He is survived by his children, Karson and Brooklyn; his mother and stepfather, Lana and Wade Carter; his younger brother, Trevor Wenzel, and sister-in-law, Hannah Wenzel; stepfather Mike Wenzel, his older sister, Christie Williams Richards; his grandfather Harrison Allison; stepbrothers and sisters; and many cousins and close friends.

A viewing will be held at Olpin Family Mortuary on Tuesday, September 29th, at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral service & blessing of the grave in Pleasant Grove at 11:00 am. All are welcome to join in celebrating Ryan's life.

Please, in Ryan's memory, if you're struggling in your life with addiction, please reach out to those you love.