Kendall Hughes Williams

October 10, 1946 - November 1, 2016

Kendall Hughes Williams, 70, of Pleasant Grove, Utah, died Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, due to complications from a recent stroke. Kendall was born on October 10, 1946 in Logan, Utah. He was the oldest of five children born to Peggy Kendall and Arthur Hughes Williams. He grew up in California where he was a 1964 graduate of Dos Palos High School. He studied at both Chico State and Brigham Young Universities. Kendall H. Williams was one of the foremost genealogists in America with over 45 years of research experience, and was instrumental in the creation of both the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the Association of Professional Genealogists. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Norway from 1965 to 1968, where he learned the language and grew to love the people and their heritage. He is the author of a family history entitled, “The Syrett Family: From Buckinghamshire, England, to Utah, to Ruby’s Inn.” He co-authored a number of genealogical resource books. In 1983, he wrote and produced a video entitled “Welcome Home, Jimmy Stewart,” to be shown during the 75th birthday celebration for the actor. He also authored a book titled "Christmas in Ashton." Kendall was also commissioned to research the ancestry of many of the world’s notable celebrities and business people, including John Wayne, Johnny Carson, Jimmy Stewart, Quincy Jones, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Richard Pryor, Patrick Wayne, Cheryl Ladd and Billy Casper. Family history has become a hallmark of Williams’ life. His love of family and heritage was also noted with his assistance in coordinating the William Bowen Hughes family reunions. Kendall is survived by his daughter Tammy (David) Miller of Pleasant Grove Utah, and his son Bryan, of Gig Harbor, Washington, and grandchildren, Kaitlin Miller, Emily (Matthew) Randall, Alex Miller, and Isabella Miller. He is also survived by his siblings Malcolm (Karen) Williams, Carole (Michael) Crossley, Barton (Elaine) Williams, and Peggy (Bob) Handerhan, Brian (Barbara) Smith, and Greg (Vicky) Shoup. He was preceded in death by his son Kristian, in August 2016. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 5th, at 11:00 am, at the Grove 8th Ward, 1136 West 700 South, Pleasant Grove, Utah, where a Viewing will be held prior from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Interment in Pleasant Grove City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.