Lawrence S. Williams

July 8, 1917 – March 5, 2016

Lawrence Soper Williams was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. The son of a prominent pharmacist, Larry was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. But, as was typical of him, Larry had ideas of his own. As a teenager, he had already found his two passions: photography and his high-school sweetheart, Avilda. One became a lifelong career, the other a loving wife of 72 years.

Larry’s photography career took him from the Associated Press, to the U.S. War Department, to Holiday Magazine and finally to his own business as an architectural photographer. Along the way he photographed U.S. Presidents, WWII generals, and exotic global destinations. He gained a reputation as one of the nation’s preeminent architectural photographers, winning awards and accolades too numerous to mention. In Philadelphia, he chronicled over 50 years of the city’s growth and change. More than a quarter million of his photographs are now part of the Lawrence S. Williams Collection at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia.

Avilda and Larry traveled throughout the world, making friends everywhere they went, mostly thanks to Larry’s enthusiasm, ready smile and zest for life. He was at his best hosting parties, planning events and socializing with family and friends. Larry loved helping others and was a ready volunteer whenever something needed to be fixed, built, planted, managed or organized.

A proud father to Wendy and Jay, Larry was also a grandfather to Jeffrey, David, Lauren and Karen and great grandfather to David John, Katelyn, Kimberly and Tyler. He loved his family dearly, cherished the time he spent with them, and delighted in watching their lives unfold.

Larry passed away on March 5, 2016, at the age of 98. A larger-than-life presence in the lives of so many, he will be greatly missed, and forever remembered, for his energy and excitement in making the most of every day.

Friends are invited to attend Larry’s memorial service to be held:

Monday, March 14 – 11:00 a.m.

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church

203 North Valley Forge Rd

Devon, PA 19333

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Luke Evangelical Church.