Army (Ret.) U.S. Col. Reginald David Williams

Reginald David Williams, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher and friend passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2016, after a three and a half year illness. Reg was born in Madison, Wisconsin on April 2, 1939 to Dr. and Mrs. David L. Williams. His parents preceded him in death.

Reg is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan B. Williams, daughters Lori and Stacey of San Antonio, son Kevin Williams of Fort Worth, and daughter Shelly (Sean) Koske of Champaign, Il. He also leaves behind four wonderful grandchildren to cherish his memory, Kate – Anna – Jane Koske and Jaeger Williams. Also, surviving him is his brother Fredric Williams and sister-in-law Joyce Williams of Madison, Wisconsin and their sons Mark (Heidi) Williams and Scot (Teresa) Williams and son Brett.

Reg graduated from Madison West High School in 1957. He then went on to the University of Wisconsin where he received his BA in Medical Science. During his time at the University of Wisconsin he was an active ready reserve member and a 2 year ROTC member. On June 8, 1964 he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with his M.D. degree. He married Joan Beine on June 6, 1964 in Merrill, Wisconsin and began his active military career that summer as an intern at BAMC, Fort Sam Houston. At the completion of his internship he went on to do his orthopedic residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington D.C. A one year tour of duty then followed in Viet Nam. Upon returning to the states he continued his distinguished military career in orthopedics. Reg was a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Tours of duty took the family to Fort Campbell, KY, Fort Brag, Fayetteville, NC and back to BAMC at Fort Sam Houston. He retired in 1987 as Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery with the rank of Colonel, Medical Corp, USAR. It was at this time he received the Order of Military Merit Medal. Other military awards include Legion of Merit, Multi-Service Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Award, and the Defense Meritorious Service Award. He was also a member of the Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeons, Texas Medical Association and the Bexar County Medical Society.

After retirement from the army he pursued careers as follows: Chief Medical Officer at San Antonio Medical Processing Station, San Antonio, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology AMEDD Center and School of Fort Sam and Audey Murphy VA Hospital as consultant in orthopedics.

Reg retired from all clinical activities November 1991 and began to enjoy activities with family and traveling in the United States.

His strong work ethics, long standing commitment to his lord, country, family and friends has truly been a blessing that will continue to inspire all who were honored to be a part of his life.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the visitation Friday, June 17, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North (2102 N. Loop 1604 E. San Antonio).

On behalf of the Family we would like to thank all medical professionals, The START Center, River City Hospice, and friends and neighbors who participated with compassion, love, and support in Reg's journey the last 3 and half years.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Oak Hills Presbyterian Church (6739 Callaghan) at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Ruben Lashley will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at Fort Sam Houston Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers those wishing to give a memorial may be directed to the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church (6739 Callaghan Rd. San Antonio, TX 78229) or The United States Army Medical Department Museum Fort Sam Houston, 3898 Stanley Rd. San Antonio, TX 78234.