Dr. Lawrence E. “Doc” Williams, 88, of Centralia passed away Monday, November 2, 2020. Doc was born on August 17, 1932, in Potosi, Missouri to Lawrence and Anna Frances Williams.
After running his family’s sawmill for several years, Doc moved his family to Davenport, Iowa in 1958 to attend the Palmer School of Chiropractic, graduating in 1961. Doc practiced chiropractic in Carlyle and Hillsboro, Illinois before opening his practice in Centralia in 1963, retiring in 2007. During his years of practice, Doc felt grateful to be in a profession he was passionate about, making sure to offer the best care to his patients that he truly loved. He was a member of the Greenview Golf Course, Elks Lodge, and Trinity Lutheran Church. An avid golfer, Doc also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, November 5, 2020, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. The family asks those attending to take precautions ensuring a healthy environment for all. A private funeral service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia with the Rev. David Wilshek officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia. Arrangements are by the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or CCBA Food Pantry. Online condolences and memories of Doc Williams may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
In 1939 the family moved to Waterloo, Illinois, where Doc married his grade-school sweetheart, Mary Ellen Ryan, on February 23, 1952.
Dr. Williams is survived by his eight children: Dr. Mark (Dr. Pat) Williams of Nacogdoches, Texas, Dr. Kurt (Sue) Williams of Centralia, Judy (Lonnie) Stein of Centralia, Dr. Eric (Sue) Williams of O’Fallon, Illinois, Pam Skibinski (Bud Lammers), Melissa Gorman (Joe Kiendl), Beth Burrus (Todd Dobbs), and Ryan (Leslie) Williams all of Centralia. Also surviving are grandchildren, Kristin Williams (Brent Keen), Paige Williams, Casey (Christian) Morgan, Dan Williams (Brooke Rhodes), Matt Williams, Adam (Jacyn) Brasket, Ashley (Matt) Jackson, Paul (Jenny) Gansauer, Annie (Jeff) Gray, Alex (Abby) Williams, Greg Williams, Andy (Emily) Rushing, Rachel Rushing, Brice (Dana) Lyons, Katie Gorman, Kelli Gorman (Ryan Stewart), Karli (Richie) Cummins, Allie Kiendl, Andrew Kiendl, Miles Burrus (Abby Hoyt), Ethan Burrus, Dane Burrus, Eli Dobbs, Ethan Dobbs, Austin Williams, Carter Williams, Katelyn Parker, Luke Williams, and Noah Williams; 32 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Shirley Williams of Jackson, Tennessee, and Melba Ryan of Belleville, Illinois; aunt, Louise Williams of Waterloo, Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Ellen in 2014; siblings, Dr. Allen Williams, Dan Williams, and Diane Van Pelt; brothers and sisters-in-law, Orrin and Doris Quinn, Melvin and Lorraine Brueggemann, Matt Ryan; and special uncle and mentor, Dr. Lonnie Williams.
