Family Submitted:

David Alan Williams, 79, of Warren, Michigan, finished his race and was welcomed home by Christ on November 12, 2025, in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Born on March 14, 1946, in Champaign, Illinois, David grew up in a home anchored in faith and service under the care of his parents, the Reverend Marshall and Lizetta Williams, long-time missionary directors at Bible Witness Camp in Pembroke Township, Illinois. David graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where he met his wife of 57 years, Sharon Gayle Bullock. They married on December 27, 1968, and together shared a life filled with love, hard work, purpose, and the remarkable adventure of raising and educating eleven children.

David began as an English teacher, spent five years on staff at Bible Witness Camp, built a construction company to serve the Pembroke community, and in 1987 moved his business to the Chicago suburbs. David was a craftsman and business owner whose skill, creativity, and diligence shaped every project he touched. In retirement he devoted his time to gardening, finding joy in planting and nurturing God’s beauty around him. A man of few words but many acts of quiet service, David poured himself into caring for his large family and was known for his hospitality to all who crossed his path.

Those who knew him remember a man marked by humor, heart, and deep curiosity. He valued quality work, discipline, and prayer. His children remember him best as a servant who spent countless hours studying and memorizing the Word of God. His children also admired his ability to tackle new skills with boldness—earning him the affectionate nickname “Danger Dave”—and cherish the tender moments when his face would give way to wonder as he held a new grandchild. He loved puns, delighted in dessert, and viewed each day through the lens of eternity. His greatest joy was raising children to know and love God.

It was David’s hope that through the transforming work of Jesus Christ in his own life he might be called an oak of righteousness, planted by the Lord, so that God might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3)

David is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Williams, and their eleven children: Troy (Michelle) Williams, Teren (Brad) Sechrist, Trudie (Jonathan) Wentzlaff, Tully (Monica) Williams, Tonia (Brad) Darge, Tad (Amber) Williams, Toby (Becky) Williams, Trisha (Paul) Reese, Tate (Abby) Williams, Timon (Ilinca) Williams, and Topaz (Oreste) Gallo. He leaves behind fifty-four grandchildren, their spouses, and two great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy. David is also survived by his siblings Becky (Dave) McMillan, Dan (Dee) Williams, Mark (Karen) Williams, and Mary Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Lizetta Williams, and his sister, Judy Chesebro.

A private burial will take place at the Kankakee Memorial Gardens in Kankakee, IL. A public Celebration of Life Service will take place on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 3PM at the Bible Witness Camp: 

16089 E. 2500S Rd., Pembroke Township, Illinois 60958.

The family welcomes cards and written memories accompanied by your family photo, which may be mailed to:

Sharon Williams

c/o Grace Baptist Church

280 East Lincoln St.

Birmingham, MI 48009.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to:

Grace Baptist Church: 280 East Lincoln St. Birmingham, MI 48009.

Or Bible Witness Camp: 16089 E. 2500S Rd., Pembroke Township, Illinois 60958.