Mr. Harrell Williams

Harrell Williams transitioned to his heavenly home at 8:46 p.m. on October 25, 2021 at OSF Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, at the age of 83. Harrell was born on December 4, 1937, in Kensett, Arkansas, to Samuel and Leona (Wilson) Williams. Harrell attended White County High School in Searcy, Arkansas and graduated from Shorter College in North Little Rock, Arkansas before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1958. As an Airman First Class, he traveled to Korea, and he had many interesting stories of his time there. He wrote letters home to his future wife, Dorothy Grady, describing his experiences. He honorably served his country until 1964. Shortly after, he moved his young family to Peoria, Illinois, where he worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 36 years. Harrell will be remembered for his love of fishing, western movies and classic cars. No matter where he traveled or visited, Harrell managed to strike up a conversation with someone. Family was very important to Harrell, and he especially doted on his grandchildren. Harrell leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Mrs. Dorothy M. Williams (Grady) of Peoria, IL; three children, Nena K. Daugherty of Glen Carbon, IL, Kena M. Brown of Peoria, IL, and Nekisha (Aaron) Omotola of Glen Carbon, IL.; 6 -grandchildren, Kayenecha and Kyrus Daugherty, Steve (Aarika) Turner, II, Derrick Brown, Jr., and Zara and Talia Omotola; siblings, Samuel (Sonja) Williams, Jr., of Jonesboro, AR, Margaret White of Chattanooga, TN, Carolyn Chalk of Detroit, MI and Morris Williams of Greenville, SC; a special niece, Anika (Henry) Sterling Florez of Chicago, IL; a special nephew, Darrett Jackson, Sr., and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and family members. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Eula Bolden and brother, Roy Lee Williams, Sr. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, November 5, 2021, at Simons Mortuary. Funeral services will begin at 12 p.m., preceded by a visitation at 11 a.m. Pastor Richard K. Hammonds will officiate and bring words of comfort to the family. Harrell will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Mausoleum. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing is encouraged. To be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mr. Harrell Williams

December 4, 1937 - October 25, 2021