Hulen B. Williams

Died on Saturday, May 16, 2009, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Lauratown, Ark., on Oct. 8, 1920. His father was a Methodist minister. While growing up, Hulen was active in the church and also became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., in 1941. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy in World War II with duty in the Pacific Theater. Dr. Williams joined the faculty at LSU in 1943. He became professor of chemistry and head of the chemistry department in 1956. He was named dean of the College of Chemistry and Physics in 1968. After retirement at LSU in 1983, he served as a consultant for the Louisiana Petrochemical Industry, state and local governments, and the legal profession. He was the author of 17 scientific publications. In 1967, he co-authored the popular textbook Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences with Dr. Virginia Rice Williams, his then wife. Dr. Williams had a strong commitment to teaching undergraduate both general and physical chemistry. He strived to advance educational standards at all levels. He initiated and sponsored summer institutes for high school science teachers. He served the National Science Foundation as a member of the advisory panels in science education. Dean Williams was widely known oncampus as a person who "tells it like is." He was a member of numerous of professional societies, honorary and social community organizations. He received numerous awards from these and other societies and organizations. He was an enthusiastic fisherman and enjoyed golf. He was a member of the Baton Rouge Country Club for many years and a long-term fan of LSU football. He was the last surviving charter member of the University United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and served on the church board for many years. Above all he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Visiting was at University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple Drive, on Tuesday, May 19, from noon until religious service at 2 p.m., conducted by Dr. J. Phillip Woodland. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Dr. Williams is survived by his wife of 38 years, Michaela L. Williams; daughter, Virginia Jean Williams Middleton; stepdaughter, Marianne Lewis; son, Dr. James B. Williams; stepsons, Michael John Galasso, Paul Galasso, David Galasso, and Mark Galasso; sister, Marthell and husband Carl Stover; brothers, Hayden Williams, and Miller and wife Jordan Williams, who is a well-known poet; brother-in-law and close friend, B.J. Hopper, of Baton Rouge; grandchildren, Avery Williams, Clayton Williams, Ashley Middleton, Lauren Middleton and Stephanie Williams; stepgrandchildren, Eric Lewis, Michael Galasso, Catherine Galasso, Adam Lewis, Joshua Galasso, Jared Lewis, Jeremy Galasso, Aiden Galasso, Terrance Galasso and Jacob Galasso; great-grandchild, Lillian Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Dr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ann Williams; wife by first marriage, Dr. Virginia Rice Williams; sister, Alexa Hopper; and brother, Travis Williams. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Avery Williams, Clayton Williams, Eric Lewis, Michael Galasso, Joshua Galasso, Jared Lewis, and Jeremy Galasso.