Edward Charles Williams, Sr., son of Edward Levi Woodworth and Dorothy Sara Face Williams, was born May 17, 1935 in West Stephentown, New York, and departed this life 
on July 17, 2016 in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri at the age of eighty-one years and two months.
On October 4, 1953 he was united in marriage to Joan Marie LaFrancis and to this union nine children were born.
He was preceded in death by his father, son, Matthew Williams, grandson, Reggie Williams, and a sister, Norma Lobdell.
Ed is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Joan, of the home; five sons, Eddie Williams and wife, Tammy of Mansfield, Missouri, John Williams and wife, Bernetta, Pete Williams and wife, Brenda, Zachary Williams and wife, Tammy, all of Norwood, Missouri, Joshua Williams and wife, Sarah, of Branson, Missouri; three daughters, Norma Avery and husband, Chuck, of Springfield, Missouri, Penny Sparks and husband, Ken of Centralia, Illinois, Susan Keith and husband, Brent of Hartville, Missouri; his mother, Dorothy Williams of Orlando, Florida; thirty-three grandchildren; seventy-five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Lyon of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Marilyn Lobdell and Donna Kachadurian, both of Averill Park, New York; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was born in New York and at age 15, began working in carpentry. In 1973, Ed and Joan moved the family to Norwood because he wanted to be a farmer. Ed was an excellent finish carpenter, a wise financial planner and a farmer at heart.
He had made a profession of faith in Christ many years ago and was a member of the Union Grove (Caudle) Freewill Baptist Church. Funeral Services for Ed were held in that church in Norwood, Missouri on July 21.
His life was farming, raising horses and he loved all that nature had to offer. He was very, very proud of his family and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought much joy to him.
Ed was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle and a caring neighbor and friend.