Roy Williams, a longtime resident of Malibu since the early ’50s, died on Sept. 7 at his home on Las Flores Beach. He was 87.
Williams was born on Sept. 11, 1915. He moved to Malibu with his wife, Ruth, and two daughters in 1951. Williams was instrumental in forming a local committee to ban oversized trucks from using the highway. He was a member of the Malibu Republican Club and the Navy League.
Williams always loved the ocean. He rode his balsa wood long board at Surfrider Beach in the ’40s. In the ’50s he started diving, wearing long underwear, a snorkel and a faceplate. He and his buddies dove off the coasts of California and Mexico and caught bugs (lobsters) the size of human heads. They also dove for abalone before they were over-harvested.
Williams attended Art Center and L.A. City College. He also volunteered with the Coastguard Auxiliary during World War II.
Williams had a great sense of humor. His other hobbies included bodysurfing, photography, painting, woodworking and football.
His wife, Ruth, daughters Rolla and Joan, and five grandchildren survive him.