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Dr. William J.
Williams, PhD
Dr. William J. Williams, PhD, passed away in his home in Arcanum, Ohio,
on December 6, 2020 with his family by his side.
He was born on May 9, 1935 in Rio Grande, Ohio, to the late David H.
and Thelma L. (Lackey) Williams, joining a family of Welsh farmers and
infamous storytellers.
After graduating from Rio Grande College (University), he went on to
complete a BEE from The Ohio State University and worked as a research
engineer for Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus. It was in
Columbus where he met his wife, Carol F. Gibson, whom he was with for
59 years. Early on, they moved to Iowa, where he completed an MS and
PhD in Electrical Engineering at the University of Iowa. In the early
60's, they moved to Ann Arbor, MI where he completed an MS in
Physiology at the University of Michigan (1966), joined the Department
of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and then became a
Professor by 1974 at U of M. Bill's career in electrical, computer, and
bioengineering took him across the country and eventually across the
globe, having taught at universities in Singapore, Australia, France,
and England, collaborating with scientists around the world, developing
patents, and writing hundreds of publications and textbooks. He was a
visiting scientist in Physiology at Johns Hopkins University and truly
enjoyed his research on whale and dolphin communication at Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institute. Bill had significant interest in
time-frequency distributions and applications in nonstationary signal
analysis, as well as a true passion for biological problems within the
theory and application of signal processing and communication
techniques. He retired from U of M just to start a business, Quantum
Signal, with his previous student, colleague, and dear friend, Mitch
Rohdes. This business joined Ford Motor Company in 2019. It would be
impossible to fully capture the depth of his career with these brief
words.
He was a son of a farmer who wanted more than farming for Bill's life.
Bill definitely succeeded with his wish. Bill and Carol adopted two
daughters, Gwen E Williams and Sarah E (Williams) Rock, providing them
wonderful lives filled with opportunity, fellowship, adventure, and
endless love and support. He was an avid gardener, adored
Apple/MacIntosh computers, and was definitely the guy to have on your
team in Trivial Pursuit. He spoke a half dozen languages, loved
history, and enjoyed traveling. Lifelong friends were made through the
University, both with colleagues and students around the world. More
friendships were built when Bill and Carol bought a second home in
Green Valley, AZ , where Bill was known as "the Mountain Man”. They
both loved the sun, fellowship, and adventures out west. They left Ann
Arbor and moved to Arcanum, OH, in 2015 following continued decline in
health and Bill's battle with dementia. Their daughter, Sarah, and her
family lived close by and took over the job as caretaker, which made it
possible for them to remain in their home.
Carol died in May 2020, passing away at home in the midst of this
pandemic with Bill, her children, and grandchildren by her side. This
heartbreak was overwhelming for Bill, challenging him on a daily basis.
With the help from Visiting Angels and State of the Heart Care, Bill
was able to remain at home until the end of his life. The family is
forever grateful for the compassion and care from their staff. Bill
leaves behind his sister, Cora Margaret (Peggy) and her husband Roger
Baker, as well as his dear great aunt, Margaret Hunter. He has four
grandchildren with Sarah and Lewis Rock: Riley, Devin, Shelby, and
Brenna. He has two grandchildren with Gwen Williams: Kassandra and
Morgan, as well as two great grandchildren, Keegan and Kiera.
Bill leaves behind a wealth of scientific building blocks for the
world, a trove of memories for his many friends and colleagues, and
countless stories and shared wisdom for his family to treasure forever.
With broken but grateful hearts, we say Hwyl fawr ("goodbye" in Welsh).
A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at 12:00 PM, on Saturday,
December 12, 2020, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus. For
everyone’s safety, the service will be for immediate family only.
Bill’s service will be live streamed at
www.facebook.com/tributefuneralhomes.
Immediate family may gather at the funeral home for a private
visitation from 11:00 AM until the start of the service at 12:00 PM.
Bill will be laid to rest with Carol at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 13,
2020, in the Vega Cemetery in Jackson County Ohio, alongside many of
his dear ancestors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Visiting
Angels, 15 W. National Rd #1, Englewood, Ohio 45322, or State of the
Heart Care, 1350 North Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
Online condolences and Hugs-From-Home may be shared with the family by
visiting www.Tributefuneralhomes.com
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