Michael R. Williams

Age 74 of Coal City, formerly of Wilmington died Sunday, April 24, 2022 at his home with his family by his side.

Born June 1, 1947 in San Luis Obispo, California, Michael Robert was the son of the late Guy Williams and Colleen (Roberts) Hanney. He was raised by his grandmother, Mary Williams, in Wilmington and attended Wilmington schools. On January 7, 1967, Mike married Pamela Rebekah Osburn at Island City Baptist Church in Wilmington.

In 1975, Mike opened his business, M.R. Williams Concrete Construction, in Coal City which he owned and operated. He was a hard worker who was proud to have built something from the ground up. When he wasn’t at work, Mike could easily be found out working in his shop or relaxing under his pavilion. He was a longtime member of the Moose Lodge 241 in Wilmington, and loved the outdoors. Mike held membership with many of the local area clubs, including the Area Number One Outdoor Club, the Miners Club, and the Braidwood Recreation Club. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and hunting, especially for waterfowl. In later years, Mike fully embraced being "Pop" and spent as much time as possible with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He especially loved working with them around his home and property, passing on his knowledge, skills, and strong work ethic. Mike was a man with a huge heart who would do anything for those he loved, and he will be affectionately remembered by his friends and co-workers as "M.R.".

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Pam Williams of Coal City; three children: Michele (Thomas) Minnick of Coal City, Robert “Bob” (Vicky) Williams of Braidwood, and Mary (Don) Harrington of Coal City; eight grandchildren: Michael, Cody, and Hannah Minnick, Jordan Williams, Reilley (Zachary) Majchrzak, Justin Williams, and Declan and Camden Harrington; four great grandchildren: D.J. Murphy, Remington Murphy, Peyton Majchrzak, and Liam Minnick, as well as one more expected in October; three sisters: Susan (Fred) Miller of Vandalia, Illinois, Brenda Lara of Marseilles, and Sandie (Mark) Shelton of Braidwood; five brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Patricia (the late Walter) Bennett of Coal City, Jonnie Beth (Jim) Kwasneske of Wilmington, Nial (Barb) Osburn of Wilmington, Merle (the late Theresa) Osburn of Kempton, and Melissa (Jeff) Vilt of Coal City; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Williams; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John Osburn and Elizabeth Osburn Drauden; one sister, Margaret Williams, one brother-in-law, Kenneth Osburn, two uncles: Jim and Robert Williams; and his faithful canine companion, Yeller.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Brent Molskness of Mission Bible Church in Minooka.

Those wishing to participate in the services virtually are welcome to join via live-stream or watch on-demand by logging on through the link available on Mike’s memorial page. 

Burial will follow the funeral service at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Braidwood.

Pallbearers will be: Michael Minnick, Cody Minnick, Hannah Minnick, Jordan Williams, Reilley Majchrzak, Justin Williams, Declan Harrington, and Camden Harrington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mike’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Mike’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.