Larry Albert Williams, age 88, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Flora Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center with his family by his side.
He was born on November 18, 1934, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Charles Norris Williams and Grace Rosalind (Muehlhausen) Williams. He was the oldest of three children, which included a sister, Sandra Elizabeth (Williams) Campbell (George) and a brother, Norman Earl “Butch” Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents and both of his siblings.
He was previously married in 1956 and had two daughters from that union. He later married Carole Sue (Hunt) Williams on February 21, 1969, and they shared 54 years of marriage together, living in Xenia their entire married life.
Surviving are his wife, Sue, his three children, DeEdra Lynn (Williams) Tuttle (Bob) of Llano, TX, Brett Anthony Williams of Loveland, CO, and Fran Elizabeth (Williams) Webb (Rodney) of Rockwall, TX, three grandchildren, Nick Williams, Lindsay (Williams) Arthur (Ryan) all of Colorado Springs, CO, and Gracy Webb of Waco, TX, two great-granddaughters, Harper and Scarlet Williams, his brother-in-law, George Campbell, and two nephews, Craig and Clayton Campbell, all of Ogden, UT, and several cousins.
Larry graduated in 1952 from Flora Township High School. He worked locally on a construction project and the railroad prior to enlisting in the Army. He served his country from 1955-1957 and his military career included assignments at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and Fort Sam Houston, TX.
Following his military service, he accepted a position with Dow Chemical – Industrial Division in Jefferson City, MO. He continued that employment through 1960 when he was hired in the IT Department working as a civilian employee for the Department of the Army at Fort Leonard Wood. He remained in this line of work until returning to Xenia in 1967.
Upon his return to Xenia, he was hired on as a Transport Driver for Knapp Oil Co. prior to joining the family agri-business operation in 1972, which he later owned and operated, dba Williams Feed and Fertilizer for 20-plus years. This work included the custom spreading of farming products, raising and selling of hogs and cattle, the sale of animal feeds, plus trucking and backhoe work.
After being self-employed in agri-business, he went to work for Southwire Inc. for approximately 11 years. Following his employment there, he was recruited to be a driver, delivering parts and products for Xenia Manufacturing Inc. This was his final employment for an additional 10 years, prior to retirement in 2011.
Larry was a quiet but active member in both his church and community. He was an ordained Deacon in the Community of Christ Church in Flora. In addition to the duties associated with being a Deacon, he also had served at one time as a youth leader. He served as a volunteer worker for the Flora Food Pantry as well as serving on the Village Board in Xenia from 2007-2012. Larry was also a member of the Flora Elks Lodge.
For enjoyment, Larry loved to fish and if anyone knew him well enough, he specifically loved to trout fish. He took up this hobby in 1978 when he started going to Montauk State Park in Salem, MO, the headwaters of the Current River. He would come back with stories of camping in the park, eating and staying at the lodge, and being on the river when the whistle blew each morning for the start of fishing. Many trips were made to Montauk where he found peace and serenity on the river. He shared this passion with his children, grandchildren, and many relatives and friends. Anyone he could get to listen to him go on about this wonderful place, was in for long conversations of a place that truly made him happy.
Larry loved his family, his church, and his community. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit, humor, and personality will live on with all of us.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Community of Christ Church in Flora. Interment will follow with full military honors at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Xenia. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, March 17, at Frank and Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested for the Alzheimer’s Association or the Clay County Cancer Crusaders and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
