Dr. Leland H. Williams

1930 - 2022

Dr. Leland H. Williams
February 24, 1930 - July 12, 2022
Columbia, South Carolina - Dr. Leland H. Williams, PhD, a dignified, southern gentleman, a scientist and a Christian, died to this life on Tuesday, July 12, holding the hands of his children.
He wore many hats over his 92 years, but three were most important to him and his family: Faithful Husband to his wife of almost 69 years, Devoted Father to his children and Loving Pop Pop to five grandchildren and (soon-to-be) three great grands.
Leland was husband to Cornelia Ann Burnett. They were high school sweethearts, were married in 1952 and lived "hand in hand" throughout their lives. They enjoyed the happiness of being married to their best friend. Having met in Columbia, SC, life took them to Knoxville, TN, Athens, GA, Huntsville, AL, Newport, RI, Dahlgren, VA, Durham, NC, Tallahassee, FL, Auburn, AL, Edinburgh, Scotland, Alexandria, VA and back to Columbia in 1998.
Leland held degrees in mathematics from the University of South Carolina, the University of Georgia and Duke University where he obtained a PhD. He found himself at the right time and with the right background to be a leader in the creation of a new profession: computer science. He was active in many national professional groups which were vital to the emergence of computer science
Leland applied his math skills to work at Redstone Arsenal and testing rocket fuses at the Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, VA where he earned the rank of Lieutenant JG. He was a proud Navy Veteran. He was a math and computer science professor and computer center director at Florida State University and Auburn University. Most of his career was then spent leading TUCC (Triangle Universities Computation Center), the shared mainframe computer center for Duke University, the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University. During that time, he was also a visiting advisor to the computer center at Edinburgh University. His final position took him to the Naval Research Laboratory where he worked on supercomputer planning with all branches of the military.
His friends, family and associates recognized him as one of Durham's Fathers of the Year. His faith, his sense of civic and professional duty and his and Cornelia's love of the arts led him to serve in many capacities in the church, community and professional life. These include American Scientific Affiliation Fellow, BITNET, Assoc. for Computing Machinery, Golden K Kiwanis Club, Eastminster Presbyterian Church elder, Stephen Minister, footcare ministry, hurricane Katrina recovery and Habitat for Humanity projects, English Speaking Union, Evening Music Club, a dental clinic in Dominica, Chairman of Deacon Boards, Sunday School Director and teacher, Boy Scout Troop Committee Chairman and Washington Symphony Orchestra Vice President.
In recent, post-retirement life his passion has been evangelism. He introduced and led Alpha at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. (Alpha equips churches, ministries, and individuals to help others discover and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Leland is predeceased by his wife Cornelia Burnett Williams and infant son Kenneth Felder Williams, as well as his parents, Wyman Loren Williams and Lorraine Hendry Williams. Leland is survived by his other children Carolee Williams (Doug) and Lee Williams (Wendy), and by his grandchildren Carol Ann Peake (Steven), Alicia Hoffer (DJ), Alex Gunter James (Kaitlynn), Elizabeth Joy Williams and Stuart James. His two great granddaughters thrilled him with their reading, songs, smiles and giggles. Leland and Cornelia "adopted" many special young people in their lives including these three special ones who must be named: Oderra Small, Nancy Osborne and Destiny Prinski.
Leland went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. A Witness to the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and Celebration of Leland's Life will be held on Saturday, July 30th at 10:30 am at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC. Join in person or via the live feed found at https://eastminsterpres.org/live-services.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Science with a Mission at https://www.sciencewithamission.org/ or by mail to 602 Massapoag Ave. Sharon, MA 02067 (in the notes or memo line write "In Memory of Leland Williams"). Science with a Mission exists to combine scientific knowledge with Christian compassion through diagnostic tools for developing areas of the world.
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com