A Tombstone for a Man Worth Remembering

One year.

Today marks one year since my dad, Gregory “GW” Williams, passed away. It feels impossible that we’ve been without him this long. He had just turned 54—far too young—and we were not prepared to say goodbye.

We had hoped to have a benefit or a celebration of life by now. We wanted to gather with family and friends, to have a beer, to tell stories, to laugh, to cry, and to honor all the ways he touched our lives. Unfortunately, life hasn’t worked out that way just yet.

But there's one thing I can't let go of: my dad still doesn't have a tombstone. And I can't bring myself to give him anything less than what he deserves. The funeral itself cost over $13,000, and there was simply nothing left over.

My dad was worth remembering.

Dad, husband, friend, GW, driver, country, papa - whatever you knew him by, was a one-of-a-kind soul. He had a big heart, a sharp sense of humor, a love of music and life, and a fierce love for his people. If he knew you, he loved you loud. He was always the life of the party, but he made people feel seen. He was the kind of man who showed up—even if it meant showing up tired, broke, or worn down. He still showed up.

He gave everything he had to his family, and he didn’t ask for much in return. He was a fighter, a helper, a protector, and a believer. The kind of dad and papa whose legacy is written not just in memories but in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

We are launching a GoFundMe to raise money for his tombstone—a permanent tribute to a man who meant so much to so many. I hope we’ll still be able to celebrate his life with everyone someday soon, but in the meantime, I want to give him this one thing.

A place for people to visit. A marker that says: He was here. He mattered. He is still loved.

If you feel moved to give, or even just to share, it would mean everything to our family. Thank you for keeping his memory alive with us.

He is worth it. Every bit of it.