Wayne Williams

WAYNE CLARK WILLIAMS, 86 ROCKTON - Wayne Clark Williams, 86, of Rockton, co-founder of Williams Tree Farm, died at 11 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, less than one week from his 87th birthday, in OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Born Dec. 24, 1920, in Ottawa, the son of Carlton and Amelia (Clark) Williams. He grew up in the communities of northern Illinois where his father had various pastorates and graduated from Sycamore (Ill.) High School. His life-long love of the outdoors began during summers he spent at Diamond Willow Lodge on Sea Gulf Lake on the Gunflint Trail in Minnesota at the camp his family owned. He was a resident of the Rockton area for 66 years as he and his parents purchased the farm in 1940. Married the former Ora Mae Pearson in Old Stone United Church of Christ in Rockton on July 21, 1951. Together they raised three children, Ron, Don and Laura. He was a member of Old Stone United Church of Christ, Rockton, Winnebago County Farm Bureau, Shirland School Board for 21 years, Roscoe Masonic A F and A M 75 for 60 years and former trustee of Rockton Fire Protection District for 11 years. He was a staunch supporter of Boy Scouts, having both his sons active for many years and leading many memorable trips to Canada, both with the scouts and also for many family trips, initiating family and friends in the love of the wilderness. Raising trees became his life-long vocation and he spent many hours tending trees and the farm. Survivors include wife Ora Mae Williams; sons, Ronald C. (Margaret) Williams and Donald W. (Karen) Williams; daughter, Laura (Gerald) Bode; grandchildren, Bradley, Cory, Tyler (Emily) and Josh Williams, Michelle and Brandon Williams and Jennifer and Heather Bode, all of Rockton; sisters, Irene Ulferts of Rockton and Carol (Russ) Ellis of Rock City. Predeceased by parents, Carlton and Amelia Williams; baby daughter, Kathy Williams, sisters, Elaine Needham, Ella Mae Pankey and Leona Williams and brother, James Williams. Funeral ceremonies at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, in Old Stone United Church of Christ, 101 E. Union, Rockton, with the Rev. Dan Herman, pastor of Old Stone United Church of Christ and co-officiate the Rev. Cory Williams officiating. Burial in Rockton Township Cemetery, Rockton. Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. in McCorkle Funeral Home, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton. A memorial is to be established. Visit mccorklefu neralhome.com to send online condolences.