Roger L. Williams

Roger L. Williams, 85, of Kewadin (formerly of Ann Arbor) passed away on April 7, 2024, at Culver Meadows Senior Living in Traverse City. Roger was born on April 15, 1938, in Cleveland, OH to the late John K. and Hazel (Reeve) Williams. Roger spent his youth frequenting the local YMCA, eventually becoming a standout basketball and football player at Collinwood High School, where he also met the love of his life, Barbara. Roger earned a full scholarship to play football at Miami University in Oxford, OH. After graduating from Miami with a bachelor’s degree, he and Barbara married in 1960. Roger immediately went on to earn his master’s degree from the University of Illinois and then had formative teaching and football coaching positions at Evanston Township High School (Evanston, IL) and Bremen High School (Midlothian, IL). He was hired as an Assistant Professor and assistant football coach at Illinois State University. There, he became inspired to pursue further education and went on to earn a doctorate at the University of Missouri. After a career that spanned over 30 years, Roger retired as Professor Emeritus from Eastern Michigan University where he taught Exercise Physiology and other courses. Forever a teacher, Roger enjoyed coaching and watching his children compete in all sports. And if you didn't see him, you definitely heard him cheering them on. He loved camping trips with his family out west and tailgating with friends before Michigan football games. Other leisure time passions included fishing, skiing, and water sports. In retirement, he enjoyed tennis, pickleball, and golf but especially traveling abroad with Barbara and spending time with friends in northern Michigan and Tucson, AZ. Above all, he loved his family and took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Roger is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Barbara A. Williams, their children, Kelly Williams, Wendy Picard, and Roger J. (Tara) Williams, grandchildren, Alec, Kaitlyn, Griffin, Greta, Addison, and Reagan, and great grandchildren, Bailey and Joey. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sarah Bogolin and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Leota (Thomas) Robinson, brother, John "Jack" (Betty) Williams, and his brother-in-law, F. Ronald Bogolin. A celebration of life is planned for this summer. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Roger’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Roger L. Williams

April 15, 1938 - April 7, 2024