Reverend Edwin Leonard Williams

Reverend Edwin Leonard Williams, 70, passed away at home on March 15, 2021. Edwin was born in Phoenix, AZ, the son of Edwin Fielder Williams and the former Mollie Jewell Leonard on May 26, 1950. 

Edwin was commissioned in the United States Air Force on October 22, 1980, serving as a Space and Missile Specialist until August 1997, after which he was ordained as a minister in 1999 in the Unity Worldwide Ministries, serving in Tulsa, OK and Houston, TX. 

Edwin married the former Dian Petersen of Tekamah, NE on November 9, 1991 in Wrightwood California. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Michael Williams. In addition to wife Dian, He is survived by brother Roger and Susie Williams from Yorba Linda, California; son, David and Julie Williams, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida; daughter, Julie and husband Rob Heck of Lutz, FL; son, Stein Peterson of Fayetteville, AR; and daughter Heidi and husband Ken MacKenzie of Phelen, CA; as well as several grandchildren.

Ed was a man of service, having first served his country and retiring as a Major, and then serving as a minister in a Pastoral venue for much of his career.  He ministered to those who were suffering or hurting from illness and from loss of loved ones.  After retirement, he and his wife moved to Fayetteville, AR where they both became volunteers during the formation of the Compassion Fayetteville movement.  Ed took on the responsibilities of Treasurer, IT, Website, PR and many other duties working nonstop on building and enhancing the presence of Fayetteville to the point of gaining worldwide recognition by the International Charter for Compassion.  He also had a significant presence in the formation of the nonprofit Second Helping NWA.

He loved helping others and giving back with compassion and love.

His Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m. at Unity of Fayetteville.  The service will be held outside and attendees are encouraged to wear masks for COVID safety reasons.