Obituaries
James W. “Billy” Williams
July 22, 1939 - February 17, 2022
- Funeral
- March 5, 2022 | 12:00 Noon
-
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
429 Old Kirk Road
Geneva, IL 60134 -
Burial Location
Bronwood, Georgia at a later date
It is with profound sadness for the family of James W. “Billy” Williams, 82, of St. Charles, IL, to announce his peaceful passing away on Thursday, February 17, 2022. He was born on July 22, 1939, to William Franklin and Mary Pearl Bryant Williams in Cuthbert, Georgia. He is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, childhood sweetheart and mother of his children, Alice Louise Williams.
He graduated from Terrell High School in Dawson, Georgia, and Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia.
He worked as a med tech during college at Phoebe Putney and was elected “Employee of the Year” unanimously by the entire medical staff in Albany, Georgia. For many years he continued in the medical sales field which eventually brought him to St. Charles as Director of International Sales for Miles Laboratories. From there he went into manufacturing surgical blades of superior quality for Crescent Manufacturing Company. Billy was a long time member of the National Society of Histotechnology. He supported and loved the Histology community. He was a wealth of knowledge and a straight forward presence in the NSH.
In 2006, he opened up his heart and married an old friend, Susan Hedstrom.
In retirement, his hobby became making beautiful writing pens made of historical woods and wine stoppers that would make any wine taste delicious. He had a broad knowledge of baseball, was a remarkable slalom water skier (even bare footed), and loved golfing, fly fishing, boating, hunting, and making “Billy’s Best” BBQ chicken and Southern smoked pulled pork anyone ever tasted. He loved the SEC, especially his Georgia Bulldogs. When he was in the room, you knew it by his stories, kindness, and his warmth for friends and family. If you couldn’t have fun with Billy, you didn’t know how to have fun! Billy truly lived his life to the fullest. The time here on earth from birth to final day is often referred to as “The Dash”. Billy truly “lived his dash with great panache” and will always be remembered for making people smile. He also thought he could do better ‘touch and goes’ than his professional pilot sons!
He is survived by his wife, Susan Hedstrom Williams; a son, Mitch (Lisa) Williams of Orlando, FL; a daughter, Michelle (Dennis) Whitacre, formerly of St. Charles, IL, now of Knoxville, TN; and a son, Marty (Emily) Williams of Montgomery, TX; Jesse (Rachael) McCoy of Las Vegas, NV; Julie (Jay) Mukes of Las Vegas, NV; One of his life joys was when he became Papa to his grandchildren; Liam Whitacre; Austin and McKenzie Williams, Colton and Jaxson McCoy; Keely Jacobs, Lincoln Howard, and Miyah Mukes.
As a final sentiment from his wife, Susan, she feels truly blessed to have been part of his life in his later years and his passing leaves an immense void in her heart, and for those who were fortunate enough to have known him, they will miss a very dear friend. Billy never stopped loving his first wife, Louise, but he never let her passing dissuade his love for Susan. Susan thanks his three children for welcoming her into his family with open arms.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 429 Old Kirk Road, Geneva, IL 60134. Luncheon will be provided in the cultural hall by the Relief Society following the service. Burial will be in Bronwood, Georgia at a later date.
Please consider donating in Billy’s memory to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, http//projecthealingwaters.org, an organization dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings.
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Condolences
Missy Deerman from Macon, GA
"Mitch, Michelle and Marty, I am sadden to hear the passing of your dad. He was a great man. I laughter at some of the memories we share. He will truly be missed. Please let me know about burial in Broncos. Prayers for all of you. Love, Missy"
Debbie Hopiins from Centennial , CO
"Susan, My heart aches for you, but I know in my heart of hearts, that Billy is up there entertaining John Edmondson, Tom Sweet, Tom Rebernak, and all of our loved ones with that mischievous sparkle in his eyes and his southern charm❣️"
Jacqueline & Rich from Elgin , IL
"Michelle I’m so sorry to hear about your father. Prayers to your entire family"
John ward from Cuthbert, GA
"I am so sorry to hear about Billy. He was a very dear friend. My father thought of him as if he was his on son. Please let me know if I can do anything. With my deepest sympathy John Ward and family."
Dick and Linda Oliver from Goodyear, AZ
"Michelle and Marty -- we are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was such a good guy, as was your Mom. You were lucky to have him as your Dad."
Joe and Paige Santa Lucia from Jacksonville Beach , FL
"Mitch, Marty, and Michelle, Our thoughts and prayers for your father who has filled many friends and family with great memories that has been woven into our lives. Love, sympathy and prayers for you and your family."
Judy and Steve McNair from Las Vegas, NV
"Susan, So sorry to hear about the loss of your Billy. I know how much You Loved Him and He Loved You. I never met Him, but what I've Read from others and what They thought of Him, He truly was Loved by All. My Love and Prayers are With You and His Children during this Heartbreaking time. May God Bless You All with Peace and Comfort. At this Time of Need. My Thoughts and Prayers are for All of Billy's Friends and Family."
Monte Hedstrom from LAS VEGAS, NV
"Susan, much love and prayers of comfort, peace, and healing from me to you!! I know how much love you had for each other and remembering that will help ease the loss. It is not actually a loss, but a temporary separation until you two reunite on the other side of the veil. I bet you Bill is now sitting around with my Dad Farrell and Marge, telling jokes together! My thoughts will be with you as you celebrate his life in March, I will be present in spirit, since I can't be there in person. Much love to you Susan!!"
Debbie Mason from Macon, GA
"Billy happened to be one of my dad's best friends. I have lots of memories of he and Louise and then he and Susan. I remember him water skiing and fishing. He loved life and all his family and friends. He is at peace now. I hope Susan, and his children have peace and cherish the memories. Will see yall in GA for his final resting place service."
Rachael from Las Vegas , NV
"I am sorry I can not be close to you on this day...I know that what you are going through right now is very difficult, just know that I am here for you and just a phone call away. I am truly sorry for your loss."
C R. Bryant from Cape Neddick , MA
"Billy was my a cousin. My dad was his Billy's Uncle James from Ocala. Billy was older and I looked up to him as kid when we visited in Bronwood. Uncle Bill, Aunt Pearl, Evelyn and Buddy the Squirrel were my some on nearest childhood memories. I own the Mast Cove Gallery in Kennebunkport, Maine were you will find my web site and phone number. Hoping to reconnect with family...Bob"
Shirley Powell from Macon, GA
"Dear Susan and Williams Family, I am so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He was one of the first vendor reps I met after entering the histology profession at the Medical Center here in Macon. He will be missed dearly and I hope the family can find comfort from the sciptures that I do for loved ones lost in death, such as Rev 21:3 and 4, John 5: 28 and 29 and Ps 37: 10 and 11. My heart goes out to you all. Shirley"
John monek from Barrington, IL
"I have loved very few men in my life and I’m a bit shy about saying it, but I loved Billy Williams. He was my mentor and the brother I never had, but most importantly, he was my friend. Godspeed"