Lawrence Michael Williams Obituary
Lawrence (Larry) Michael WilliamsNovember 16, 1947 – March 27, 2026Lawrence (Larry) Michael Williams, age 78, was born on November 16, 1947, in Bay City, where he was also raised. He was the beloved son of Ian and Helen Williams. Larry lived a life full of adventure, laughter, service, and deep love for his family.
Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army for seven and a half years and was honorably discharged. Throughout his life, he worked many different jobs, including positions at General Motors, as a shift manager at a local restaurant, and cared for residents in an assisted living home. No matter what the role, Larry worked hard and connected easily with the people around him.
He was a true free spirit. In his younger years, Larry loved riding motorcycles and traveling around the country, embracing the open road and the freedom it brought him. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and cherished time spent on the water with friends and family. A self-proclaimed beer connoisseur, Larry loved gathering with friends, sharing stories, and enjoying life. He often shouted "S.P.O.R.!!"—a phrase he picked up from a Roman television show—simply to lift spirits and make people smile. That joyful energy defined him. Larry loved music from the 1950s, '60s, and '70s and could often be found listening to the classics that shaped his generation.
Above all else, Larry's greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his children: Angela Eldridge, mother of Darby Diel , Skyler Eldridge, Claudia Harris, and Chevin Eldridge; Lawrence Michael Williams Jr. and his wife, Marianna Williams, their daughters Adrianna Williams, and Natalie Isham, and their son Lawrence Michael Williams III and his wife, Hannah Williams, parents of Bella and Maddox Williams; Stephen Williams, and his partner, Sara Licht; Daniel Williams and his wife, Jamie Williams, parents of Brianna Williams and Kaylee Williams; Michael Williams and his wife, Danelle Williams, parents of Maggie Williams and Hunter Williams; and his son Isiah Williams, and his wife, Taylor Schumann, parents of Maverick Williams.
Larry is also survived by his siblings, Mary Ann LeMere and her husband, Jim LeMere; Fabian Williams; Ted Williams, and his wife, Joann Williams. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Eva Williams Shelson, Nancy Hutchinson and Joe Williams.
Larry's love for his children and grandchildren was evident in everything he did. All he ever wanted was for those around him to feel happy and loved. He was a jokester with a patient heart, a man full of wisdom, and someone who would show up without hesitation if you needed him. His laughter, humor, and free spirit will live on in the many lives he touched.
Larry will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his big heart, adventurous soul, and the joy he brought to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 6, 2022, at 7 pm from the Rivertown Funeral Chapel with Very Reverand James Batcha presiding with burial later in Great Lakes National Cemetery. Friends and family may visit the funeral home on Monday, from 2 pm until time of service.
