Hal Alpheus Williams

Hal Alpheus Williams; 88; of Ithaca; passed away at Sparrow Hospital  in Lansing on Friday, July 10, 2020.

He was born March 8, 1932 in Detroit, MI, to Harry and Anna (Valla) Williams. He was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, MI and from Michigan Tech in Houghton, MI. While in college he met Betty Laine of Hancock, MI, and they were married on December, 20, 1958. Hal served in the U.S. Army as a corpsman from 1954-1956, which is where he found a love of practicing medicine. Hal graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1961. Hal and Betty moved to Ithaca in 1962 where Hal joined the staff at Carson City Hospital and began practicing at Ithaca Clinic, where he practiced for over 40 years, often treating multiple generations of Ithaca families. He was a true small town doctor. Over his years in medicine, he had numerous affiliations, leadership positions, and awards, including being Chief of Staff at Carson City Hospital for ten years and being selected as the Osteopathic General Practitioners of Michigan Physician of the Year. One of Hal’s best qualities was his generous spirit, always remembering people’s names and taking a genuine interest in everyone he met. Hal was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, golfing at the Ithaca County Club, and skiing in previous years. He loved taking care of his yard and flowers and never met a sweet dessert or treat he didn’t like. 

Hal is survived by his son, Tony (Jackie) Williams; his daughter, Beth (Kurt) Creamer; and his grandchildren, Emma, Olivia, and Jack Creamer, and Brandon and Ethan Nelson. He is also survived by his sister, Sylvia McKenzie of Livonia, MI, and his brother Paul (Nancy) Williams of Kirksville, MO. Also surviving Hal are numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and a special friend, Shirley.  Hal was preceded in death by his wife Betty. 

A Funeral Service will be held at Ithaca Cemetery at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, with Rev. Christina Jenson officiating.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7, Monday, July 13, at Barden’s Funeral Home in Ithaca. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization of your choice in his memory. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

The graveside service will be streamed live via Zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84530916153?pwd=NGRKWlZYRVRJU256RXR0d0IzWEFOZz09 (password is 123), recorded and shared to the Ithaca Presbyterian Church’s Youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsxREtZLffcs81NnQ9DLvuQ) and for those wishing to maintain social distancing at the cemetery by remaining in their vehicles, the service will be broadcast over FM radio on channel 89.9 (please note, you must be at the cemetery to pick up the FM radio broadcast). 

Comments

[Mary Laarman]

Doctor Williams came to Ithaca when I a young girl and I always thought of him as special. He will be remembered by many as the great Dr. who truly cared. God bless his family and friends with His awesome peace.

[Dale and Marion Nester]

Hal was just plain-old-fun. Whether it was golfing, racquetball, or shooting pool. Talented and humble as a physician. When we first moved to town, Hall and Betty (along with many other friends) took us under their wings showed us how things were done in Ithaca. He will be missed.

[Elizabeth Palmer]

My siblings and I have fond memories of Dr. Williams as kids growing up. I was lucky to practice at the Ithaca Clinic with him; his patients were very devoted to him. He was very kind and always had a smile on his face. He lived a wonderful life and will be missed.

[Pamela Fidler]

Both Hal and Betty were truly special people.

[Sandi LaLone]

I worked at CCH and remember Dr. Williams. Always spoke and smiled at everyone. Just a very nice person! He will be missed immensely. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Julie Rau]

Dr. William was one of the kindness men I ever knew. He gave up a beautiful November Saturday to assist on my 7 hour surgery. It would have been a wonderful day to be golfing or fishing instead of being at the hospital. I will always be thankful to him for his care.

[Gavin Momberg]

I met Hal through his daughter, Beth and son-in-law, Kurt. What a wonderful human being. I will always remember him as being genuinely interested and engaged with the people he met and always with a smile.

[Mary Gross]

He was a wonder doctor but more importantly he was a very special person. He will be greatly missed. God bless his family.

[Linda Weburg]

Hal and Betty were special friends who we met through Ithaca Jaycees, bowling and golf. Hal was always interested in other people and what they were doing. He will be greatly missed.
Sincere condolences to Tony and Beth and their families.
George and Linda Weburg

[Lisa Hamm]

Hal made it so clear he loved his family and those that share time with his children and grandchildren. He welcomed us to the table and shared marvelous stories of times in the UP. He is missed, but his generosity and caring continues in those he nurtured. Love to you all, Lisa

[Dave Creamer]

Now the other half of Hal and Betty is gone and we will miss them both. Hal was a real gentleman who cared for people. Always interested in what was going on in your life. I will miss them both .

[Sylvia McKenzie]

I will miss my brother tremendously. He taught me how to plant and grow all kinds of flowers. Growing up, I had good times with him and my other brother Paul fishing and swimming at Higgins Lake. We had a contest on who could catch the biggest fish and Hal caught a big bass!
Hal was a very handsome and successful man who was dearly loved by many.

[Nancy weaver]

Hal Williams was my first doctor as an adult. He cared for my family of step children and delivered my daughter. I worked with him at CCH for all those years. He was a kind man. I was with him when he lost his wife and forever will think highly of him. My deepest condolences for the family loss

[Sandy Brilhart Bare]

I enjoyed my conversations with Hal over the years. I even got to ski in Colorado with the family. He was a great partner with my dad. My thoughts and prayers to you, Tony and Beth and your families.

[Pastor Douglas DeVos]

Hal was our family doctor while in Tiffin. He was wonderful to all of us. We fondly remember Hal, Rex, and Bob as those on whom we could always call. Rest eternal grant him O Lord and let light perpetual shine upon him.

[Dave & Jan Eckelbarger]

So sorry for your loss. We farmed their farm for many years. Always enjoyed our conversations and interaction with them.

[Ann Marie Brunk]

My sympathies to the family of Hal Williams.
I will miss you Uncle Hal. I hold many happy memories of you and My Aunt Betty.

[Ann Marie Brunk]

My sympathies to the family of Hal Williams.
I will miss you Uncle Hal. I hold many happy memories of you and My Aunt Betty.