Stacy Lyndel Williams

Stacy Lyndel Williams, 69, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away peacefully in his home on March 12.
 
Born in Carbondale, Illinois, to John M. and Doris Millis Williams, Stacy grew up as the classic mid-century, middle child, between the elder brother and a little sister “who ruined his life.”
He graduated from Carbondale Community High School and began his career working on diesel engines, first on semi-tractors and then on locomotives at the Illinois Central facility in Paducah, Kentucky, where he put down his roots.
 
Throughout his career, Stacy was a craftsman--good with his hands and a clever mechanic. He was a welder, installed HVAC, and custom institutional kitchens. He also used his carpentry skills on houses and making furniture. His woodworking skills often ended up as gifts that were as beautiful as they were practical.
 
Ever the good ol’ boy, Stacy was popular and had a rich and diverse life filled with adventure and misadventure by turns. In 1987 He married the love of his life, Pat Carrell, who preceded him to heaven in 1998.
 
His married days were some of the happiest in his life as he enjoyed the family created with Pat and her daughter Gayl, and their pup Roxie.  It was a rich time filled with activity--camping trips, fishing, BBQ, the races in Talladega, and gatherings with friends and family—all that ended much too soon.
 
As a widower, Stacy remained a bachelor, working his day job and turning his attention to honing his barbeque skills. Feeding crowds of people became his thing. And it was a very good thing. He and the River City Rib Ticklers presented their competition fare at the BBQ on the River, for 28 years, winning titles & trophies, feeding hundreds, and raising funds for local charities.
 
Stacy was a memorable character and unique individual who lived on his own terms. We enjoyed his sense of humor, his expressive way of telling a story, his constancy, his creativity, the delicious food he made and served, and the bonds he shared with family and friends.
 
We’ll miss his sassy sauce. His ZZ-Top-worthy beard. And his hat. But mostly, we’ll miss him.
 
He is survived by his brother John K. (Cathy) Williams; niece Erin (née Williams) Wiltowski (Jacek), grand-nephews Jackson and Maxwell; niece Lauren Williams of Carbondale; sister LeeAnn (née Williams) Eddins (Stu) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his stepdaughter, Gayl Renee Cook, (Freddy) of Paducah, Kentucky; Step-granddaughters, Alexi Cullum (Kyle); Amber Davis; Sarah Welch (Cameron); Dakota Ellis (Kenneth);  and seven great grandchildren.  
 
A Celebration of Life honoring Stacy will be held on Sunday, August 2.  It would have been his 70^th Birthday. Watch for Facebook posts for more details.
 
Memorial contributions in his name can be made to Cassidy’s Cause Therapeutic Riding Academy. www.cassidyscause.org/donate.html