Michael D. Williams

(May 15, 1955 - February 19, 2016)

Michael David Williams returned to his heavenly home on February 19, 2016 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Mike is survived by his wife, Carey (Anderson) Williams; children Carrie Williams of Roscoe, Ryan (Mary) Williams of Machesney Park and Chloe Williams (man’s best friend); grandchildren Charlee Heim and Leilah Lake of Roscoe; mother Betty Weiand (Joyner) of Aiken, South Carolina; siblings Shelly (Mark) Eastway of Indiana, Brian and Craig Williams both of South Carolina; He is preceded in death by his father Jimmy Ray Williams; brother Larry Williams; and sister Debbie Cansler.

Mike was born on May 15, 1955 in King City, California. He graduated from Central Bible College in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible. He married his best friend, Carey Lynn Anderson, on October 27, 2007, at Midway Village in Rockford, IL. Mike was a modern-day, Renaissance man with many talents. A self-made entrepreneur and skilled carpenter/contractor, he built his company, Classic Carpentry Construction, from the ground up to more than 40 employees and hundreds of homes constructed in the Northern Illinois area. Mike also earned his pilot’s license, commercial driver’s license, realtor’s license and, for many years, was an active member of the Blackhawk Flying Club. He enjoyed flying trips with Carey and friends, fishing with his family, trips to Pine Lake, eating chocolate and his homemade Mexican fruitcake, cooking and making people laugh.

He was a man of strong convictions, loved his family and his faith was always a very important part of his life. Mike was also very involved in his church, Harvest Bible Chapel, and led the Marriage Matters group at his previous church, Heartland Community Church, as well as participating and volunteering for many other church activities over the years.

Mike’s wishes were not to have those that loved him mourn his death, but that we celebrate his life. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2016, at Harvest Bible Chapel – 5501 Windsor Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family. The family would like to thank Mike’s favorite caregiver, Loris from Addus Healthcare, as well as Dr. Shawn Wallery (Brain and Spine Center at Rockford Memorial Hospital) and VNA Hospice for their excellent care and dedication. Also, thank you to all the family and friends that supported us through this difficult journey.