William Y. Williams ("Bill") escaped the struggles of a weakening body and stepped into glory on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at age 71 at St. Vincent''s Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bill was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the first of five children. Raised in an intensely musical family, he began playing piano at age eight. After graduating in 1967 with a B.S. in Music Education from Taylor University, Bill married his college sweetheart, Linda, and moved to Elyria, Ohio.

Bill directed both the Nurses'' Choir at M.B. Johnson and the Elyria Community Chorale, in addition to teaching vocal music at Eastern Heights and Learwood Junior High. He "temporarily" took over the Director of Music position at Church of the Open Door in 1967, but was so beloved and experienced such blessing on his ministry, he continued working at the church for 46 years. He served the congregation faithfully as both Pastor of Worship and Pastor of Shepherding.

Bill felt a great burden on his heart for women facing difficult circumstances in pregnancies and desired to protect the unborn, so in 1986 he spearheaded the effort to found what is now known as Cornerstone Pregnancy Services in Elyria. Between working at the church, teaching piano lessons, providing leadership for the Pregnancy Services, and caring dearly for his family, Bill kept busy. In 2013, Bill retired and subsequently moved back to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to be near family.

Bill loved sports of all kinds. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cavs, and Indians, and also loved the Ohio State Buckeyes. Bill enjoyed traveling, eating delicious food, playing games, and doing puzzles. He is perhaps most remembered for his ever-ready, contagious laugh. Bill continued laughing and lifting the spirits of those around him, even through his last days.

Bill spent a lifetime serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and modeled Christ-like character. He passed on a heritage of faithfulness and integrity to his children. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda (nee Sweet), his children Anne (Lee) Wiggins, Tom (Sarah) Williams, and Sally (Mark) Williams Minnich, his mother Yetive Williams, siblings James Williams, Roger Williams, Mona Coalter, and Jay Williams, and grandchildren Noelle and Matthew Wiggins, and Thomas, Henry, and Evelyn Williams. He also has 25 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Marion Williams in 1993.

Visitation and Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Open Door, 43275 Telegraph Road, Elyria, Ohio. Visitation with the family will be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in memoriam of Bill and in support of women in need be sent to Cornerstone Pregnancy Services, 364 Griswold Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.