SPRINGFIELD, IL – Howard W. Williams, 101, passed away Friday, March 25, 2022, at Lewis Memorial Christian Village.

He was born December 22, 1920, to Grover and Clara (Colvin) Williams. He married Mildred Stone in 1942 in Springfield and she preceded him in death. He later married Juanita Effie Miles and she also preceded him in death. He also was preceded in death by his sisters, Lelah Dodd and Erma Davidson; and brothers, Virgil and Wayne Williams; and granddaughter, Kristy (Steve) Vaughn.

During WWII, Howard worked at the Rock Island Arsenal, building and repairing Sherman tanks. He later worked as a photographer and graphic artist at Allis-Chalmers/Fiat-Allis for 40 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of Trinity Church of the Nazarene and Professional Photographers of America. He was an avid fan of Earl Stanley Gardner novels and collector of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia.

He is survived by his sons, Daryl W. Williams, Sr. and Richard D. (Glenda E.) Williams; three grandchildren, Daryl W. (Terri) Williams, Jr., Rebecca (Brad) Heacox and Larry Slightom, Jr.; nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home, with Reverend Ron Waltrip. Entombment will follow in the Oak Ridge Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Trinity Church of the Nazarene or Salvation Army.