Larry R. Williams

Larry R. Williams, 82 of Alanson, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, September 15, 2023, at home. Born in Petoskey on June 11, 1941, he was the son of L.B. and Bessie (Schaefer) Williams.

Larry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Marilyn (Campbell) Williams; children, Larry D. Williams of Harbor Springs, Marcia Williams of Alanson, Tracy (Brandon) Berger of Las Vegas, NV and Wade (Kristi) Williams of Alanson; 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and a sister.

Larry lived his whole life in the Alanson community except for brief periods when working in road construction. In 1959, he graduated from Alanson High School.  That summer he met the love of his life, Marilyn, at Starks Restaurant in Alanson. They were married on October 14, 1961. Larry was the founder and owner of Williams Excavating which is still going strong after 60+ years.  He also built and started the Alanson Laundromat and Car Wash.

Larry was very involved in his community. He served on the Alanson Fire Department for many years, eventually becoming Fire Chief.  He also served on the Alanson School Board, Emmet County Road Commission, Lions Club, Pellston Masonic Lodge, and was a founding member of the Alanson Improvement Group. Larry and his two sons were involved in the Alanson Boy Scouts. He was very active in the Alanson Methodist Church where his mother was a Sunday school teacher when he was at a very young age. He was involved with boys little league baseball and girls intermediate softball where they ended up in state finals.  Larry was one of the first inductees into the Alanson Volunteer Hall of Fame.

Larry had a great love for the Crooked River. He also raced race boats in the Top O’ Michigan Outboard Marathon, stopping once during a race to grab a burger in Topinabee. He enjoyed trapping and duck hunting in the river and Grass Lake, hunting, fishing, golfing, and anything outdoors. He loved tinkering with cars from a young age.

A memorial service will take place 11:00 AM Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Harbor Springs where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow immediately.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family where the funds will go towards a project in Alanson Community in Memory of Larry.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.