Edwin Leon Williams, Ii

Dr. Edwin L. Williams, II, beloved father, devoted husband, respected surgeon, passed away peacefully in his home in Roanoke on Thursday June 30th, surrounded by his children. Dr. Williams was born in Christiansburg V.A. on Nov. 30th 1933, to the late Leroy D. Williams and Mary Walters. After high school he earned a B.S. from VPI. He attended MCV and received his Doctor of Medicine in June 1960. Following a rotating internship he completed his surgical residency at MCV under the direction of the late Dr. David Hume. After residency, he served as Lt. Commander at Portsmouth Naval Hospital during the Viet Nam war. Dr. Williams served as Chief of surgery at Lewis Gale (1973-77) hospital and Chief of Surgical Specialties at Roanoke Memorial Hospital (1984-87) He was a Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Virginia (1974 - 2001) He served as president of RVAM in 1977 to 1978 and was president of the Virginia Surgical Society in 1988. He was honored by RVAM with the Life-time Achievement Award for his service to the community in 2010. He retired from his general surgery practice Blue Ridge Mountain Surgeons of 2001. The medical community regarded Dr.Williams as highly skilled surgeon and teacher; a beacon of talent and virtue by his peers and the many students and residents he influenced over time. Dr. Williams also served as a medical missionary through the Methodist Board of Global Mission, having worked as a surgeon in Borneo (1968-71) and Hong Kong (1971-73). Short term missions include time in Pueblo State, Mexico, and more recently with the Presbyterian medical mission to the Dominican Republic. In the United States he worked on the RoseBud Indian Reservation mission in South Dakota. Dr.Williams had many interests, he loved hiking the mountains, he was a talented photographer, a skilled videographer, sharing many of his "Bluebird Video Productions" with family and friends. He raised orchids from all over the world, enjoyed scuba-diving, and under water photography, he had an adventurous spirit. He is a fellow of the American Society of Explorers of the Antarctic. He loved spending time with family and his dog Willie Earl. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church Salem. An enthusiastic Hokie fan. Dr. Williams married Jean Bane in December of 1956. They were married 54 until she passed in August 22, of last year. He was also predeceased by son Timothy Jon (neonatal death), his brother Dr. Kempton Williams and Brother Roy Willams. He is survived by their daughter Julia Davis, Columbus NC, daughter Amy Rickman and husband Rocky, Boones Mill Va., and son Edwin, Roanoke Va. His sister Mary and husband Dick Smith of Harrisonburg Va. Surviving grandchildren include Leon Davis and wife Kristi, parents of great grandchildren Kaylin Jean and Noelle Elyse, Lexington Ky. Isaiah Rickman and wife Stephanie, Wirtz Va., Jesse Rickman Boones Mill Va., Andrew, Stewart and Vincent Davis, Columbus N.C., Surviving foster children Joe Tate and son Joey and daughter Molly, Roanoke Va., Bill Tate and wife Lysette and son Billy, Moyock NC, and David Burchette, San Diego Ca. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. Memorial services will be conducted at 2 pm Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at First United Methodist Church in Salem with Rev. Stephen G. Bray officiating. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com. John M. Oakey & Son, Salem, 389-5441 is in charge of arrangements. The family would like to thank: Dr.Vashist Nobbee and Good Samaritan Hospice service, and his primary nurse Lynn Cyr R.N. for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers: Contribution's can be made The Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 or The Family Life Center building fund, Boones Mill Baptist Church P.O. Box 230, Boones Mill V.A. 24065. Service Details.