Steven Joseph Williams

Steven Joseph Williams, age 55, born May 30, 1970, passed after a 5-year battle with cancer, in Titusville, Florida on December 15, 2025.

Steve is survived by his wife Marie (Kozemczak), his sister, Carla Norman, daughter Presley Williams, his son Ryne Williams (daughter-in-law Roya Williams) granddaughter Rain Williams and nephews Riley and Brody Norman. Steve was a significant figure in Marie's children's and grandchildren's lives. Steve's life-long friends, he truly considered as brothers: Brint Woodruff, Mike Thomas and Vince (Doc) Camille.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Hugh Williams and Sandra Lee (Michaelson) Williams.

Born in Springfield Illinois, where he lived most of his life; Steve remained very close with his classmates, graduating high school in 1988. He was drawn to cartooning (pun intended, he would want it that way) in high school but confessed his singing and acting talent "got more attention from the girls" and he found himself, aptly so, on the stage. Steve swears he was never the main character, but always a supporting role in the shenanigans he and the boys got into over the years.

Steve obtained a Bachelor of Science in Theatre/Speech education from Culver Stockton college in 1992, Cum Laude, and his Master of Arts Theatre Education at University of Northern Colorado in 2012.

Steve acted and directed, built sets, made costumes, did lighting and sound. Directed the Springfield, Illinois Muny for many years. His love for theatre took every moment he was not parenting or teaching. He even took his final bow dramatically on 12/15 at 12:15am. We see you, Steve, and applaud you.

Steve taught theatre/drama, speech/debate and English language arts at several middle schools in Illinois and Florida. A dedicated teacher, creating lesson plans from his hospital bed so his students could excel at the state tests in November 2025.

Steve was a loving father. He and Ryne would traverse the country to watch the Cubs games as Ryne was growing up. He did manage to get Ryne on stage a time or two. And he followed Ryne to Florida after Ryne became a "rocket scientist" -a software engineer/architect under contract with NASA. Steve enjoyed watching Presley become a strong, beautiful, intelligent, young lady and attended her Taekwondo lessons, and many other activities. Steve jumped at the chance to read/tell her stories and they'd giggle past her bedtime. He was able to celebrate her 12th birthday with her in early December. He loved her so very much he went to an ice carving show in 9 degrees, NINE he said again and again. Steve was very close with his sister, Carla. She was always his confidant sharing wisdom and practicality and laughs till all hours of the night.

Steve loved the stage. He was an actor, singer, director but when asked which he liked most he answered "well duh, acting, it gets more applause!" As much as he loved the on-stage attention, off-stage he was a true introvert. He was proud to hold the title of "Solitaire Golden Grand Master" on his phone app.

Steve married his 5th wife, Marie, in 2020, (it seems Steve would throw in a "5 gold rings" melody here considering the holidays) Steve and Marie met in college. Together they were beginning to enjoy a life of bourbon & brown beer, taco Tuesday, wings Wednesday, a bit of traveling and of course Da Bears. But he was most comfortable at home by the pool, or in front of a mystery movie or pondering Ancient Aliens. Steve was an active member of the Eagles philanthropic organization and gave freely of his time and energy to support our little community. He found a comfortable space between introvert and extravert with his Eagles family.

Steve's personality could be larger than life; with his booming voice, infectious laugh and loving smile. He could be heard stating time and time again, "that's a veteran move", "Ya know what I mean?" and "There's water in beer".

And I know you all have stories to share therefore we will have a celebration of life in Springfield, Illinois in the spring, likely the end of March because Steve hates the cold weather and said "There is no reason to go north of Mims."

Feel free to reach out via Facebook.

(in lieu of flowers please support your local live theatre)