On May 8, 2024 Harry Raymond Williams, 94, of Wheaton, IL, passed away peacefully in his apartment at Westbridge Assisted Living.  As he always said, "At this age, you never know what's gonna get you!"  He was blessed to pass peacefully in his sleep with no illness, injury, or significant memory issues.  He would be so pleased!

Harry was born October 13,1929 to Harry R. Williams Sr. and Bess Londot in the town of Sturgis, MI.  He moved several times in his early years, including to Elkhart, IN, where his sister Elizabeth was born; Benton Harbor, MI; Detroit, MI; and Oak Park, IL, before finally settling in Wheaton when he was of middle school age.  Though the frequent moves were challenging, Harry turned these experiences into opportunities to make good friends.  This was a talent he took into the workplace as he became a successful salesman and business owner of Vitaminerals, a company he took over from his mother in the 1950s.  He worked his business until he was in his mid-70s.

When Harry moved to Wheaton, he lived on Arbor Avenue in a house that had contiguous property with the Snyder family on Golf Lane.  He met Connie Snyder in middle school, and they later became high school sweethearts at Wheaton Community High School before Harry graduated in 1948.  He had many high school friends and was an avid trumpet player in the band.

Harry joined the National Guard after high school and spoke often about having to make a bed so tight a coin would bounce.  He also spoke of kitchen duty, cooking for Generals.  I think he gave up cooking for the most part because of that pressure.

Connie was two years behind Harry in high school.  Connie went to Northwestern for one year, then dropped out, and, as the story goes, said, "Harry, we're getting married!"  Harry married his childhood sweetheart June 24, 1950.  They welcomed their first child Shawn in September 1951, their daughter Tallya in June 1953, and ten years later, their son Kent in January 1964.  Harry would reminisce in his later years about getting married and having kids so young.  He would say, "I don't know if I'd do that again.  It was so hard and scary, especially when the kids would get sick!"  His kids would respond, "We are those kids and we're glad you had us!"

Harry was a born caregiver.  When he lived with her as a boy, he helped care for his grandmother Gigi, who was wheelchair bound.  Harry was a delight with his own children and grandchildren.  Pulling toboggans behind his car; pulling grandkids in the wagon pulled by his labs; hosting fireworks in the backyard on the Fourth of July; fishing and crabbing in Ormond Beach, FL; raising birds and fish: he certainly had a propensity for fun!  Harry nurtured and cared for many animals throughout his life including Cocker Spaniels, turtles, Muscovy ducks, and later black labs.

When Connie got sick in 2014, Harry spent a very challenging year caring for her in their longtime family home where she passed away in May 2015.  Harry was 86 and remained in their home for 2 years before moving to Wyndemere Senior Living.  This is where he experienced his first 'Bachelor Pad.'  Once again, those skills learned at an early age allowed Harry to make many good friends: the rest-of-his-life friends.  His caregiver qualities shined as he would share kind words, take an interest, and smile and joke around with others.  Many called him a treasure.

Harry remained until the day he died a great historian of Wheaton.  When driven around town, he would recount what businesses used to be there and who the owners were. His long-term memory was unmatched.  He would often end an experience of reminiscing with the words, "That was then; this is now" or "Oh well—what are ya going to do?"

Harry was indebted to the many wonderful staff members of the Wyndemere complex including the management, the front desk greeters, the bus drivers, the nurses and care aides, and the dining room servers, as well as housekeeping and maintenance.  He felt their love and support.

Harry is survived by his children Shawn (Dr. Linda) Williams of Lake Barrington, Tallya (Jim) Knippen of Wheaton, and Kent (Andrea) Williams of Wheaton; eight grandchildren Dr. Jennifer (Errin) Pace, Christopher Williams, James (Elizabeth) Knippen, Kayla (Nick) Sullivan, Ebben Knippen, Tom (Vicky) Forberg, River (Sarah) Williams, and Tara Williams; eight great-grandchildren Giada, Isabella, and Mia Pace, Asher and Jaxon Sullivan, Landon and Tanner Forberg, and Olivia Williams; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Connie Snyder Williams, and his sister Elizabeth Yandek.

A private graveside service will be held at Wheaton Cemetery.  Harry always said of Wheaton Cemetery, "I know more people and have more friends here than anywhere else!"  He spent much time there talking to them all before his own passing.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Salvation Army .