Lawrence Vincent Williams

Lawrence Vincent Williams, age 82, of Novi, Michigan passed away on January 7, 2020. He was born on May 7, 1937 in Steubenville, Ohio under the Mingo light; son of Lawrence and Elaine (nee Moore) Williams. Being born under the Mingo light was well known by the Steel workers to bring a baby boy luck and strength. The Mingo Junction light lit the night sky when the steel was being poured.  He grew up just across the river in Follansbee, West Virginia running through the hills; this is where his love of nature began. Lawrence earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University; graduating with a double major in History and Government and minoring in English. Lawrence continued his education at Eastern Michigan University where he earned his Master of Administration. He was united in marriage to Laura Margot Martin on April 6, 1979; devoted to each other for over 40 years.

Lawrence was a Principal at David Hicks Elementary School and then at Walker-Winter Elementary School. His career began in the Cherry Hills School District which later merged with the Wayne-Westland School District. Lawrence loved to golf and spent many hours on the course becoming a scratch golfer. He was an avid reader and there was not a piece of classic literature he did not read. He enjoyed gardening and fishing. Lawrence also loved cooking; he perfected cooking Prime Rib and Yorkshire Pudding. Lovingly referred by his wife as Bear, they loved traveling together. Going to the beach with his family to relax at the ocean and surf fish, as well as visiting Old Man’s Cave in southern Ohio for a beautiful spiritual trip with his wife were among his favorite places. Lawrence was a hardworking and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Lawrence is survived by his wife Laura; his children, Eric (Michelle) Williams, Joel (Kate) Williams, Alisa (Michael) Maile, Julia (Andrew) Balaze; his brothers, Gary (Terri) Williams, Robert Williams, and Bruce (Julie) Williams; and his grandchildren, Logan, Isla, Esther, Mary, Andrew, Joshua, Madeline, Timothy, Patrick, Luke, Evelyn, Zachary, and Mark. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Ann Arbor.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 58 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043.