Edgar Williams

Edgar J. Williams, 88, passed away on February 23, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, after a short illness. His family was by his side.

Born on February 27, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to Harvey Williams and Edna Williams, Edgar was raised in Detroit. As a young man, he proudly served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1962 as an aircraft maintenance crewman on P5M maritime patrol aircraft along the Eastern seaboard during the Cold War.

After completing his military service, Edgar returned to Michigan and settled in the suburbs of Wayne and Livonia. He worked for more than 30 years at Ford Motor Company as a transmission engineer. His work focused on drivetrain design and development, contributing to the Bronco four-wheel-drive transmission and many other automotive innovations. He also participated in vehicle testing programs, traveling across the country to evaluate the performance and durability of new models.

In retirement, Edgar moved to Crystal River, Florida, with his wife, Helen. He enjoyed the quiet coastal life and developed a deep appreciation for the manatees that gather in the warm springs each winter. He volunteered at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and supported manatee preservation efforts.

After Helen's passing, Edgar relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, where he spent his final years closer to family, enjoying the warmth of the desert and the cultural life of the city, especially performances by Ballet Arizona.

He was a lifelong reader and thinker. He read Henry David Thoreau and William Blake, explored the teachings of the Buddha, studied Christian scripture, and maintained a lifelong interest in science, science fiction, and automotive innovation.

Edgar's greatest accomplishment was his ability to create bonds with his grandchildren - a gift to them and to his children. As William Blake wrote, "The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest." The harvest lives on in his grandchildren, strengthened by his love for them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Williams and Edna Williams; his brother, Harvey Williams; his son, Michael Williams; his grandson, Alex Nappo; his first wife, Pauline Alley; and his second wife, Helen Williams.

He is survived by his brother, Louis ("Skip") Williams (Margaret); his daughters, Margaret Thomas (Greg), Paula Nappo (John), Bridget Smith, Bernadette Brosky (Tony), and Maria Edgar (Carey); his stepdaughters, Tina Stirzinger (Curtis) and Laura Zajac (Tim); his grandchildren, Brett Brosky, Nicolas Brosky, Chris Edgar, Jacob Edgar, Megan Kenerson, Kyle Nappo, Michael Nappo, Carmen Smith, Mason Smith, Travis Smith, Scott Stirzinger, Melanie Sutton, Jessica Williams, Cooper Zajac, Logyn Zajac, Nick Zajac, and Trevor Zajac; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Stillwater Hospice and Vista Living Senior Care and their tireless, compassionate teams, whose care and kindness meant so much during Edgar's final days.

A private family service with military honors will be held April 24, 2026, in Phoenix, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edgar's memory to:

• The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pulfibfou/

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

• A charity of your choice