William Palmer Williams D.O.

Dr. Bill was a compassionate dedicated doctor, husband, father, son and grandpa. He was born William P. Williams to Grant R. and Gladys Mae Potts Williams in Youngstown, Ohio, on Dec. 15, 1931. As a youngster, he was a Boy Scout, played the trumpet and attended Central Christian Church, where he was baptized at 12. That began his lifelong journey of faith in God and Jesus Christ.

He attended Youngstown University and joined Pi Beta Chi fraternity, serving as president his senior year. He earned a bachelor of science degree, then attended Des Moines Still College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he graduated as an osteopathic physician.

The day after his graduation, Bill married Joyce Alice Olson of Osage, Iowa, on June 3, 1958.

He established a family practice in the small town of Milan, Ohio, where he was able to provide the kind of compassionate medical care for which he had trained. When he and his wife moved there, Bill was one of only two doctors in town.

He and Joyce flourished there, enriching their lives with friendships, as well as civic and church involvement. He served as president of the Erie County (Ohio) School District working to promote a merger of two districts that resulted in a new school.

While living in Milan, the couple had three daughters -- Laura, Carole and Natalie.

The couple and their family moved to Clearwater in 1970, where he joined a medical practice in Largo. There, he was active in the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and served on the staff of Suncoast Hospital. Joyce was fiercely proud of him and his practice of osteopathic medicine. She died April 8, 1980.

Dr. Bill enjoyed sailing, building model planes and ships, as well as riding roller coasters. He played golf and tennis as well as walking and bike riding.

An avid bridge player, Bill also enjoyed music, singing in church choirs and the senior community in Winter Park where he has lived the past several years.

Dr. Bill thrived on keeping up with everyone in the family. He enjoyed a wonderful 90th birthday celebration with his senior friends, then a family dinner where he sang along when the group broke into “Happy Birthday.”

Survivors include his daughters – Laura Williams, Ormond Beach, FL; Carole Wilcox (Chuck), Tarpon Springs, FL; Natalie Casey (Mark), Winter Park.

Also: Four grandchildren: Jenna Wilcox, Mitchell Wilcox, Kevin Casey and Elizabeth Casey.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by two sisters, Carol and Irene.

Funeral services have been set for Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at Anona United Methodist Church, 13233 Indian Rocks Rd., Largo, FL 33774. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m., followed by the service. A reception is planned afterward at 2 p.m. Serenity Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Largo is in charge.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Bill requested donations be sent to Anona UMC, 13233 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo, FL 33774, or your local humane society.