Virgil J. (Tuffy) (Buck) Williams was born August 8, 1930, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Virgil W. and Melvina (Heater) Williams, he was the 5th of 7 children. He graduated 8th grade at Cloverdale School, east of Buffalo, Missouri at the age of 14.
Virgil joined the Army in 1947 at the age of 17, and was honorably discharged in 1948, due to being too young when he enlisted. In January 1952, Virgil was inducted into the Marines, and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged in January 1954, and returned to his employment at Rigby Printing Company, where he was employed for 26 years.
Virgil met the love of his life in 1948, when he took his mother to the grocery store in Collins, Missouri. Joann Hunter was working in her family’s grocery store, and they began dating. The two married on July 5, 1951.
Virgil worked as a lithographer at Rigby Printing Company in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1948 to 1974. He moved his family to Osceola, Missouri, where he and his son Robert started a concrete business. He later ran a printing business with his son-in-law, Leroy Raymond, in Osceola.
After retiring, he enjoyed bowling and achieved a 300 game. In addition to bowling, Virgil enjoyed playing pool and cards.
Virgil was a member of the Gerster Baptist Church, and was a member of VFW Post 4197.
Virgil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joann Marilyn (Hunter); parents, Virgil W. and Melvina; brothers, Rudolph Wayne (killed in France during WWII), Kenneth Ray and wife Eva; sister, Virginia; son, Robert; and grandson Brian Raymond.
He is survived by his daughters, Vicky Raymond and husband Leroy, Sandra Bauer and husband Charles; 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Patsy Summers and husband Jim, Mary Ellen Burton and husband Dennis, and their families; sisters-in-law, Joyce Walsh and Judy Redinger; numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Memorial donations be made to Gerster Baptist Church in care of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home: P.O. Box 384 Osceola, Missouri 64776.
2 Condolences for Virgil J. Williams
Condolences(2)
Jean Lyke for the OHS Class of 1962 says
January 7, 2026 at 8:32 amSorry to hear about the loss of Virgil (Tuffy). Our condolences to the family.
William Williams says
January 7, 2026 at 3:45 pmvery sorry to hear about this, he was a great man. I remember when he had the printing business down town in Osceola, my Mom and I used to visit often.