William “Bill” Lewis Williams, age 70, passed away at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, Mo., on February 27, 2011, with his family at his side. Bill was born at home in Fair Grove, Mo. on June 29, 1940 to Farrel Omer and Bernice Mae (Baker) Williams, he was the oldest of six children.
On January 1, 1973, Bill married Beverly J. Sheldon, with which she became step-mother to his six children, and they added three more children to their family. Exactly 24 days after they were married, Bill went to work for Roadway Express in Strafford from which he retired with 25 years of service, completing 27 years with Teamsters Union. Bill was a trucking man all of his life, it brought him much joy and happiness. He also was a coffee drinker…and Waffle House was his pick of spots to sip and chat. Bill is survived by his wife of 38 years; four sons, Ronald and Tina, William and Bev, Robert and Tanna, all of Springfield, and Michael and Laura of Rogersville; three daughters, Karen Casteel, Dawna and Mike Mitchell, and Joy Lansdown, all of Springfield. Bill also had 25 grandchild and 27 great-grandchildren, with two more arriving soon; three sisters and many cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive him. A special thank you to Sammy, Teresa and their three girls, part of Bills extended family.
He is preceded in death by his father mother, two sons, two brothers, his father and mother in law, and a brother in law.
Special thank yous to everyone who visited and prayed for Bill and his family. I saw the light of Heaven then I left to go home. The Lord was there to help me and show me my Fathers throne. His arms around me tightly the Glory there we did share. He said my child you made it with my love you made it there.
Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday March 3, 2011 in Greenlawn Funeral Home East with burial in Hazelwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.