Bruce Williams

IN MEMORY OF: Bruce Williams Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – ANNA 135 West Vienna Street, Anna, Illinois Bruce Williams, 86 of Anna, passed away Monday, August 19, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his family. Bruce was born February 22, 1938 to Rufus and Erline (Brown) Williams in Anna, Illinois. On January 31, 1957, he married his forever love, Louise Heisner, and together they spent over 62 years together until her passing in 2019. He served in the U.S. Army, obtaining a rank of Staff Sergeant. Bruce began working for Ralston Purina in 1966 and retired, the first time, from Nestle Purina in 2003. He continued his career with Nestle Purina, retiring a second and final time, in 2014. He received his FDA processing control certification from the University of Wisconsin in 1974, certified as a Professional Engineer in 1975, and earned his engineering degree from Washington University in 1976. Bruce designed and built factories and churches all over the world, with his family living in some of these locations. He was a member of NSPE, MSPE, and was also a member of the Anna Heights Baptist Church. He built 30 plus ADA wheelchair ramps in the Anna-Jonesboro area. He also earned his Blue Hat for the Illinois Disaster Relief, and worked tirelessly with the Royal Ambassadors and camps within Illinois Baptist State Association and Southern Baptist Convention. He also volunteered his time to coaching young girls and boys with the Upwards Basketball program. He and his wife, Louise, cared for 53 foster children. Bruce and Louise were (PA PA & MA MA LOU) international host parents to many SIU-E and SIU-C international students for 50 years. Survivors include his daughters, Mona Morgan, Melody Williams-Bassett, Dawn Holmes, Judith (Billy) Halter, Heather (Michael) Walker, Holly (Dean) Barringer, Robin Brazel, Tammy (Chuck) Ridens, Belinda (Dan) Robertson, Jessica (Lewis) Haines, Luciann (John) Barnitz; sons, Anthony (Andrea) Williams, Timothy Crippen, and many other foster children loved dearly by Bruce and Louise; 43 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren and more on the way; sister, Sherry (LaRue) Parr; brothers, Michael (Carroll) Williams and Billy (Donna) Williams. Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Shawn Williams; sons-in-law, Michael Brazel and Alan Morgan; grandsons, Micah Williams and Ashton Brazel; great-granddaughter, Adleigh Cuevos; brother, Harold Williams; and sister, Patty Williams. Funeral services will be on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 4:00 PM at Anna Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Darryl Williams officiating with special remarks by Rev. Perry Williams and Tony Williams. Burial will follow at Anna City Cemetery. Visitation will be on from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to Baptist Children’s Home and Services in Carmi, IL. Memorial envelopes will be available at the church. Crain Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.

Bruce Williams

February 22, 1938 - August 19, 2024