Lewis Edward Williams

He chose to be a Lineman because he wanted to get a charge out of life. He liked staying energized, keeping people connected, and was always fixing something.

Lewis Edward Williams was finally called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the age of 88. Though he never hit the winning lottery numbers, anyone who knew him would tell you he lived a life richer than most.

Lewis was born on February 18, 1938, in Carrier Mills, Illinois, to the union of Shirley and Veretha Williams. A true country boy at heart, he was the fourth of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two older sisters, Shelby King and Shirley Ann Coleman.

At an early age, Lewis attended Sunday School with his siblings at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, where he learned about Jesus Christ, accepted Him as his Lord and Savior, and was baptized.

Lewis grew up during the era of segregation and Jim Crow. His earliest education took place in a one-room schoolhouse where children of every grade learned together. By the time he reached high school, schools had integrated, and he attended Carrier Mills High School. There, he became known as an outstanding basketball player, earning a scholarship to Florida A&M University.

At the age of 23, Lewis was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as a cook. After two years of military service, he received an Honorable Discharge along with the Good Conduct Medal, Marksman (Carbine) Medal, and Sharpshooter (Rifle) Medal. While in Japan, Lewis developed a love for martial arts. He earned a Black Belt in Karate and continued practicing Tai Chi and Taekwondo throughout his life.

When Lewis returned home in 1963, he was eager to learn. He spent time shadowing people who believed in him and generously shared their knowledge, teaching him trades including farming and carpentry. Those lessons became the foundation for the life he would build.

Lewis eventually settled in Centralia, Illinois, where he started his family, built his home with his own hands, and established a career that would make history. He became a faithful member of Second Baptist Church, serving as Treasurer for many years.

In 1972, Lewis began working for Ameren, then known as Illinois Power, where he broke the color barrier as the first Black Meter Reader in Carbondale, Illinois. Never one to stop climbing, he continued making history in 1980 by becoming the first Black Journeyman Electrical Lineman in Centralia. Later, he once again broke new ground as the first Foreman Lineman of color. After 24 electrifying years with the company, he retired from the position he had worked so hard to earn. Lewis was also a proud member of Centralia American Legion Post 446 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 2055.

To know Lewis was to know someone who could make you laugh, make you think, and make you stay on the phone much longer than you planned. Affectionately known as Daddy, Papa, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Unk, Cuz, Lew, Lewie, Uncle, Handsome, Mr. Grumpy Pants, and Friend, he wore every title with pride.If you asked Lewis how he was doing, you already knew the answer.

"I'm just as ornery as ever.

"It was classic Lewis. He was known for his good conversations, practical wisdom, steady advice, and down-to-earth spirit. He believed in taking care of himself and enjoyed learning about health, nutrition, and holistic supplements. But if you asked those who loved him what truly kept him going, they would tell you it was family. Lewis loved spending time with the people he loved most. When he wasn't making visits, he was burning up the phone lines checking in on everyone. Birthdays, holidays, ordinary Tuesdays, it didn't matter. He simply wanted to know how you were doing. He had a gift for making people feel remembered, valued, and connected.

Lewis leaves behind a legacy built on faith, perseverance, hard work, laughter, and unconditional love. He is survived by his sons, Christopher Edward Williams (Brenda) and Bryan Shea Williams; his daughter, Ea Alysse Williams; eight beloved grandchildren, Dustin Williams, Devan (Tarra) Orrill, Breea (Mark) Wainwright, Parker Williams, Shane Williams, Jordan (Leah) Williams, Chase Williams, and Zoe Williams; and ten cherished great-grandchildren.He is also survived by his brother, Ownly Williams; his five sisters, Donna Duncan, Brenda (Harlan) Portee, Marilynn Newsom, Aundreya Drue, and Deborah Fitzpatrick; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will forever treasure the love, laughter, and memories they shared with him. Lewis spent his life lighting the way for others, both through the work of his hands and the example of his life. The current of his love, wisdom, and unwavering faith will continue to flow through every generation that follows. Lewis always wanted more for his children, grandchildren, and everyone he loved. He believed in challenging those around him to become the very best version of themselves. When life became difficult, he never let the people he loved quit on themselves. Instead, he would remind them, "You can give in, you can give out, but don't give up. "As we celebrate Lewis's life and carry his legacy forward, may we also carry these words with us. Whenever life feels heavy, whenever you miss hearing his voice or wish you could answer one more phone call from him, let his words be your reminder to keep going. Keep believing. Keep pressing forward. May we honor his legacy by living with the same strength, faith, perseverance, and love that he shared so freely with all of us.

Services will be held Friday July 24, 2026 from 6 to 8 pm at the Second Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia, IL Reverend  Johnson, Reverend John Young and Reverend Ownly Williams will officiate.

Memorials services will be held Saturday July 25, 2026 at 2 pm at Harvest Deliverance Center in Harrisburg, IL. Visitation will be held after 1 pm until service time. Reverend Ownly Williams will officiate. Military rites will be held immediately before the service in the church parking lot by the Carrier Mills and Harrisburg American Legions and the Army National Guard Ritual team. Felty Funeral Home in Carrier Mills, IL Is assisting the family.