David Richard “Dave” Williams
September 23rd, 1937 - March 2nd, 2022
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Dave's Obituary
After a long, joyous life filled with family and friends, David “Dave” Richard Williams passed away peacefully on March 2, 2022 surrounded by his three sons and his oldest grandson at Spectrum Health Lakeland.
Dave was born on September 23, 1937 on a small farm in Coloma, Michigan to Muriel Helen (Grant) Williams and Owen Williams. Dave’s oldest sister, Marylea Giessler, described him as a “beautiful 11 pound baby who grew up sweet, spirited and independent.” As a boy, Dave was popular in school, active in Boy Scouts, and had a fairly large paper route. Many believe this is where Dave began to develop his impressive salesmanship and ability to talk to anyone.
In 1945, after the death of his father, Dave’s family moved to Benton Harbor where he gained a reputation for being a competitive but fun-loving guy. He was a loyal friend, never walked away from a fight, and loved driving his black 1950 Mercury around town. After graduating from Benton Harbor High School in 1955 and studying business at Western Michigan University, Dave traveled west, bouncing around the country tending bars and dealing blackjack and craps in Vegas.
When Dave returned to Southwest Michigan he became a postal carrier and one day, while delivering mail, fell in love with a beautiful blonde bombshell named Anne. Truth be told, Dave made it a point to drive past her house many times to wait for her to come out so he could back up his truck and hand deliver her mail. Dave married Annegret “Anne” Schroeder in 1963, had three sons, and moved between Valparaiso, Adrian, and Livonia while working as a salesman for Standard Oil before settling in Stevensville.
In 1979 Dave was working for Tailored Building Systems when he decided to go for the American dream and start his own business. From a tiny, basement office he grew Dave Williams Building Sales into a successful post frame construction company, serving homeowners and the agricultural industry. Now owned and operated by one of his sons, Williams Buildings is Southwest Michigan’s premiere builder of commercial, residential, agricultural, and equestrian buildings.
Professional achievements aside, what put the biggest smile on Dave’s face was his wife and kids. When his boys were young he loved coaching them in little league and taking them on ski and snowmobile trips in northern Michigan. Dave was a softie when it came to family and was crushed when Julius, the family beagle, passed away. After the boys left home, Dave and Anne enjoyed traveling the globe, especially New Zealand–his most favorite place in the world–but he always looked forward to wintering in Florida or Mexico. His favorite hobbies included playing cards with his buddies, going to movies, and reading mystery novels.
When his wife, Anne, died unexpectedly in 2021, Dave was beside himself with loss. He missed his better half and could not imagine a life without her. In fact, his closest friends, Ray Marks, Chuck Wells, and Mark Hawks, agree that Dave likely died of a broken heart. He will be remembered fondly for his sense of humor, colorful storytelling, and of course, unwavering love for his wife.
Dave is survived by his sister, Marylea Giessler of Clearwater, Florida; his sons David Williams, Marc (Dawn) Williams of St. Joseph, and Michael (Meara) Williams of Petaluma, California; his grandchildren Briar (Ryan) Radtke of Seattle, Danielle and Ben Williams, and Owen Williams of Petaluma, California; and his great grandchildren, Leo and Bowie Radtke.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Donald Kenneth Williams and Joseph Allen Williams; his sister, Margery Florence Varland; and his beloved wife.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 12th at the Starks & Menchinger Chapel located at 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm until time of service. Memorial donations in Dave’s name may be made to Lory's Place 445 Upton Drive, St. Joseph, MI. Those wishing to sign Dave’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Dave was born on September 23, 1937 on a small farm in Coloma, Michigan to Muriel Helen (Grant) Williams and Owen Williams. Dave’s oldest sister, Marylea Giessler, described him as a “beautiful 11 pound baby who grew up sweet, spirited and independent.” As a boy, Dave was popular in school, active in Boy Scouts, and had a fairly large paper route. Many believe this is where Dave began to develop his impressive salesmanship and ability to talk to anyone.
In 1945, after the death of his father, Dave’s family moved to Benton Harbor where he gained a reputation for being a competitive but fun-loving guy. He was a loyal friend, never walked away from a fight, and loved driving his black 1950 Mercury around town. After graduating from Benton Harbor High School in 1955 and studying business at Western Michigan University, Dave traveled west, bouncing around the country tending bars and dealing blackjack and craps in Vegas.
When Dave returned to Southwest Michigan he became a postal carrier and one day, while delivering mail, fell in love with a beautiful blonde bombshell named Anne. Truth be told, Dave made it a point to drive past her house many times to wait for her to come out so he could back up his truck and hand deliver her mail. Dave married Annegret “Anne” Schroeder in 1963, had three sons, and moved between Valparaiso, Adrian, and Livonia while working as a salesman for Standard Oil before settling in Stevensville.
In 1979 Dave was working for Tailored Building Systems when he decided to go for the American dream and start his own business. From a tiny, basement office he grew Dave Williams Building Sales into a successful post frame construction company, serving homeowners and the agricultural industry. Now owned and operated by one of his sons, Williams Buildings is Southwest Michigan’s premiere builder of commercial, residential, agricultural, and equestrian buildings.
Professional achievements aside, what put the biggest smile on Dave’s face was his wife and kids. When his boys were young he loved coaching them in little league and taking them on ski and snowmobile trips in northern Michigan. Dave was a softie when it came to family and was crushed when Julius, the family beagle, passed away. After the boys left home, Dave and Anne enjoyed traveling the globe, especially New Zealand–his most favorite place in the world–but he always looked forward to wintering in Florida or Mexico. His favorite hobbies included playing cards with his buddies, going to movies, and reading mystery novels.
When his wife, Anne, died unexpectedly in 2021, Dave was beside himself with loss. He missed his better half and could not imagine a life without her. In fact, his closest friends, Ray Marks, Chuck Wells, and Mark Hawks, agree that Dave likely died of a broken heart. He will be remembered fondly for his sense of humor, colorful storytelling, and of course, unwavering love for his wife.
Dave is survived by his sister, Marylea Giessler of Clearwater, Florida; his sons David Williams, Marc (Dawn) Williams of St. Joseph, and Michael (Meara) Williams of Petaluma, California; his grandchildren Briar (Ryan) Radtke of Seattle, Danielle and Ben Williams, and Owen Williams of Petaluma, California; and his great grandchildren, Leo and Bowie Radtke.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Donald Kenneth Williams and Joseph Allen Williams; his sister, Margery Florence Varland; and his beloved wife.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 12th at the Starks & Menchinger Chapel located at 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm until time of service. Memorial donations in Dave’s name may be made to Lory's Place 445 Upton Drive, St. Joseph, MI. Those wishing to sign Dave’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
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