Carl L. Williams, M. D., of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away peacefully after a long illness on Sept. 11, 2008, at the Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark. He was born Sept. 28, 1929, in Schenectady, N. Y., grew up in Mount Ida, Ark., and graduated Mount Ida High School in 1947. He attended Henderson State Teachers College in Arkadelphia and graduated University of Arkansas Medical School in 1954, cum laude.
He completed a surgical residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center, a cardiovascular-thoracic surgery fellowship at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N. C., and a traveling cardiovascular fellowship at Duke University, North Carolina Baptist Hospital, and the Osteen VA Hospital. He served as a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy.
He was the designated surgeon for Presidents Gerald R. Ford and William J. Clinton at the dedication of St. Edward Medical Center in Fort Smith, and the dedication of the Virginia Clinton Garden in Hope. A cardiovascular thoracic surgeon, Dr. Williams pioneered open heart surgery in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline of the home; Robin Williams-Schnader of Reinholds, Pa., Larry Williams of Richland, Mich., Jacqueline Williams-Scott of Abbotsford, B. C., Elaine Williams-Korzekwa of Harrisburg, Pa., Mark Williams of Starkville, Miss., Carole Boyd-Haws, Jyllian and James Martini of Fayetteville. He is survived by his loving grandchildren, Sarah, Brendan, Alexander and Michele Scott; Nathan, Allie, Claire and Sadie Rose Korzekwa; Holly and Andrew Schnader; Rachel and Ben Williams; Jacqueline Payton Haws; Emily Martini; and Bela and Kyler Williams.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a longtime Razorback supporter and was actively involved in his family activities, including snow skiing, canoeing, basketball, volleyball, camping and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He will be sorely missed by his devoted family.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fayetteville on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Suzanne Stoner officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark. 72762; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 1190, Fayetteville, Ark. 72702; or the Humane Society of the Ozarks Inc., 413 N. College, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. To sign the online guest book, visit www. mooresfuneralchapel. com.
