Dr. Edward C. Williams

1928 - 2023

Dr. Edward C. Williams
Dr. Edward C. Williams passed away with his daughters at his bedside September 6, 2023 at age 95. He was the third of four children born May 23, 1928 to David L. and Martha D. Williams in Arnold, PA.
Ed graduated from Academy High School in Erie, PA, then attended Gannon College in Erie for two years. He graduated from University of Pittsburgh Dental School in 1952 and received his M.S. in Orthodontics from University of Michigan in 1954, where he was a member of Psi Omega Dental fraternity.
After Dental school, Ed served two years in in the Army in Korea and Japan, from 1954-1956, as a Captain in the U.S. Dental Corps, 24th Division, 19th Infantry Regiment.
Ed began his 35-year orthodontic career December, 1956 in Midland, MI and practiced until his retirement December, 1992. He enjoyed his profession and helping people have beautiful smiles.
Ed married Sally J. McBride July 27, 1957 and they celebrated their 65th anniversary last summer.
Ed is survived by four daughters: Sue (Denis) Coates of Battle Ground, WA; Cindy (Brian) Tennant of Marquette, MI; Ann (Kevin) Corbin of Ann Arbor, MI; and Wendy Williams (Dave Hoppe) of Indian River, MI. He was predeceased by his wife, Sally J. Williams June 15, 2023, brothers Dr. Robert E. Williams and Jack Williams, and his sister, Alma Gilmore-Doud. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Stephanie, Kevin, and Samantha Coates; Katie Tennant-Beenen (Tim) and Andrew Tennant; Christopher and Steven Corbin, and Zachary Clement. His first great-grandchild, Jack Beenen, was born this summer.
Ed served as president of the Midland County Dental Society, Saginaw Valley Dental Society, the University of Michigan Orthodontic Alumni Association and the Michigan Association of Orthodontists. He was a lifetime member of the Michigan Dental Association, American Dental Association, Great Lakes Society of Orthodontists, and the American
Association of Orthodontists, and also was a Fellow in the American College of Dentists. Additionally, he was a Charter member of the Midland Hospital Dental Staff and Michigan Association of the Professions.
Ed was a Charter member of Kiwassee Kiwanis in 1967 and had over 50 years of service with Kiwanis International, both in Michigan and Florida. He was a dedicated Kiwanian who stayed active in his clubs until his late 80s.
Ed was an excellent golfer and took great pride in having three holes in one during his lifetime. He was a 50+ year member of the Midland Country Club and held memberships at the Michigan Dental Golf Association, Royal Wood Golf Association (Naples, FL), Indian River (MI) Golf Club, and Timbertrails Hunt Club. He also enjoyed skiing, tennis, hunting, fishing, and curling. He loved working in his yard every day at their Burt Lake cottage. Ed was also a Board member of the Burt Lake Preservation Association.
Ed and Sally were lifelong passionate University of Michigan football fans and held season tickets well into their 80s.
Upon retirement, Ed spent 25 winters in Naples, FL. He volunteered every week for Habitat for Humanity and was proud to be building homes for deserving families. He loved showing friends the homes he helped build. Ed was an outgoing and social person who had many friends, enjoyed helping people, and staying physically active.
There will be a Celebration of Life Sat., Oct. 14 at 11 am at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home in Midland. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Burt Lake Preservation Association (https://www.blpa.org/) or Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity (https://www.northwestmihabitat.org/).