H. Elwood Williams

H. Elwood Williams, 82, of Kingsport, TN, died June 25th, 2012 following a brief illness. Born Nov. 19th, 1929 in Pillow, PA, on a farm in a rural Pennsylvania's coal region, he graduated from Ursinus College and Lancaster Theological Seminary and spent his working years as a minister in the United Church of Christ serving several parishes in Pennsylvania. He and his wife also ran a foster home in Kutztown, PA that served 108 children. He retired to Colonial Heights, VA in 1993 and moved to Kingsport in 2008.

Elwood was preceded in death by his brother, Clarence, and sister-in-law, Arlene Williams of Tremont, PA.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Doris Kimmel Williams; daughter, Elizabeth Clemens and husband, Robert of Kingsport, TN; daughter, Vivian Williams of Danbury, CT; son, John Paul Williams of Virginia Beach, VA; and 21 long-term foster children who were also considered part of "the family." He is further survived by lots of grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 27th from 1-2:00 pm at New Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm with Pastor Richard Willis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to New Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1116 Nelms Lane, Kingsport, TN 37660.