John Albert Williams

John Albert Williams, 89, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026. He was born on March 28, 1937, in Springfield, Illinois, to Albert R. and Ruth S. (Spindler) Williams. He grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, graduating from Dearborn High School in 1955.

John earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 1959. He then married his beloved, Donna Grindle. After tent camping across the country to California, they resided in Berkeley, CA. He completed his Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of California in 1963 with support from a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. His postdoctoral research, funded by the National Science Foundation, took him to Córdoba, Argentina, and Princeton University.

After teaching at the University of Michigan, John joined the Physics Department at Albion College in 1970 where he taught astronomy and physics until his retirement in 2002. As Albion's first Director of Academic Computing, he helped lead the college's transition from mainframe computing to personal computers, leaving a lasting mark on both science and technology education.

A lifelong astronomer, John continued research on the composition and movement of distant stars and championed the restoration of Albion College's historic Clark telescope. During the 1986 return of Halley's Comet, he served as guest astronomer aboard a Caribbean cruise, sharing his enthusiasm for the night sky with countless others.

John believed deeply in serving his community. He gave his time and leadership to numerous Albion organizations, including Rotary, Albion Area Lifelong Learners, Citizens to Beautify Albion, Albion Interfaith Ministries, the NAACP, the Albion Food Co-op, Men Who Cook, CROP Walk, and the Forks Senior Center. An Eagle Scout himself, he attended local Eagle Scout ceremonies in support of young people.

His Christian faith shaped every aspect of his life. A devoted member of Albion First United Methodist Church, John served on committees, participated in Bible study, and supported mission work throughout the Michigan Conference, Haiti, and New Jersey. He also prepared worship slides, participated in the Jackson Area Emmaus Community, and hosted a weekly Zoom Bible study connecting friends in Ontario.

John and Donna especially cherished time at their cottage on Oxtongue Lake, Ontario, where they were active in the local church and community. They also enjoyed travels throughout North, South, and Central America, Europe, and China.

Those who knew John will remember him as patient, kind, thoughtful, dependable, and faithful. He was a gifted teacher, trusted advisor, devoted husband and father, and loyal friend whose quiet generosity touched countless lives.

John is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Donna L. (Grindle) Williams; daughter Ellen Davis (former husband Mark Davis); son Paul Williams (wife Deborah Taft); grandchildren John Davis (fiancée Katie Flack) and Meghan Davis; brother-in-law Ben Deterling; a nephew, two nieces, and several grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by sister-in-law, Harriet Deterling.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion. A second visitation will be held Saturday, August 1, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Wesley Lounge at Albion First United Methodist Church, 600 E. Michigan Avenue, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. in Wesley Chapel. A luncheon will follow in Tennant Hall.

Memorial gifts may be made to Albion First United Methodist Church (600 E. Michigan Ave. Albion, MI), Albion College's Telescope Renovation Fund (611 E. Porter St. Albion, MI), or any organization dedicated to improving and beautifying the community of Albion.