The Passing of a Chiropractic Pioneer, A Family Man, A Dear Friend & Mentor to Countless

            Most of the profession is already aware that Dr. Sidney Earl Williams, founder of Life University in Marietta, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Thursday morning the 27th of December. He was 84 years old. Visitation was set from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 29th, 2012, at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Powder Springs and services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, also at Mayes Ward-Dobbins, located at 3940 Macland Road in Powder Springs.

            Along with his wife, Dr. Nell Williams, Dr. Sid Williams founded Life Chiropractic College in 1974, which became Life College and is now Life University. Twenty Two students attended the first classes in January of 1975. These students became known as the "Day one class". Under Dr. Williams’ direction, Life Chiropractic College became the largest chiropractic college in the world with an 89-acre campus and more than 3,500 students.

            On a personal note, for me (Dr. Deed Harrison), I was deeply touched by Dr. Williams loss. Though I met Dr. Williams just a handful of times and exchanged only simple cordial conversation; it is man like him that keeps a person like me continuing to strive for excellence through Chiropractic principles, purpose, and passion. When I heard of Dr. Williams loss, I was reminded of one of my late father's (Dr. Don Harrison) favorite sayings: "The person who says it cannot be done, should not interrupt the person doing it"! Looking at Dr. Williams' life achievements I bet that he lived by this motto in some regard. In the end, Dr. Sid Williams did what few of us can but all of us strive for; he left Chiropractic and the World a better place through his humanitarian, personal, and entrepreneurial achievements.

            A Williams family statement Thursday morning (December 27, 2012) said: "Doc was a person of immense presence and personality. He will be greatly missed by his family and many others whose lives he has touched."

            In addition to his wife, Dr. Williams is survived by his children, Dr. Kim Williams, of Powder Springs, and Dr. John Sidney Williams, of Pennsylvania; and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers and cards, contributions on behalf of Dr. Williams and his family can be made to: The B.J. Palmer Historic Home Foundation, Inc. 1950 Old Concord Road, Smyrna, GA 30080 or at www.bjph.org.