Harold Roger Williams

Harold “Hal” Williams Ph.D., 85, passed peacefully November 21, 2020 at home with his family. Born in Western New York, Harold was the third son, seventh child, to Harry and Gertrude Anna. He was married to his beloved wife Dorothy for 65 years.

Hal was a veteran serving in Korea, Army Intelligence from 1954-1957. He went on to earn a BA at Harpur College, a MA at Penn State, a Ph.D. in Economics and Business at the University of Nebraska and a Postdoc in Economics at Harvard in 1970.  As KSU faculty from 1966-2010 he mentored doctoral students, taught undergrad and graduate classes, chaired the economics dept, chaired the University Faculty Senate and served as associate dean of Graduate and International Programs and the Graduate School of Management.

He liked to travel and traveled extensively. He led International Executive MBA programs abroad where he took students to study business in China, Europe, Costa Rica and Mexico. He was a visiting professor at the University of Leicester, United Kingdom and a professor in the Kent State University Study abroad program in Geneva, Switzerland.

Hal loved to teach. Post retirement he continued to teach as an emeritus professor. He received numerous awards including a 1984 Distinguished Teaching Award, EMBA Most Valued Professor Award, and appointments to the Council of Economic Experts, Advisory Council on Budget and Trade Issues and Ohio Trade Council. Publications included research articles and macroeconomic course materials.  Later, he served as officer of the Ohio Council of Higher Education Retirees (OCHER) and was named to their Hall of Fame.

He loved to run.  His best friend, also a Kent professor, introduced him to running  when he was 35. After that, he was hooked. Hal became an avid exercise enthusiast and runner. He raced in the Ohio Senior Olympics three separate years and the National Senior Olympics in 1999.  Later, he was a member of a Silver Sneakers exercise group and had many friends there.

Hal was a beloved husband, father and grandfather appreciated for his integrity, friendly and playful energetic demeanor.  He was kind, quick witted and fun to be around; on the floor playing with his grandsons and later, advising them in their educational and personal pursuits. One of his grandsons went on to become an economist (“just like Grampa!”) and consulted him on a regular basis.

Hal is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children, Mark (Debbie), Theresa (Doug); grandsons, Byron, Thomas, Nicholas, Kent; sister, Florence, and brothers, Henry, Gerry and Jay. Hal came from a large family and grew up on a farm in the country. He was the middle child with 12 brothers and sisters.  He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Elmer, Edna, Helen, Herman, Ida, Edith, Norman and Scharlaine.

The family wishes to thank Cleveland Clinic Hospice (CCH) for their assistance and care at the end of Harold’s life. In particular we wish to thank CCH team members Mandy, Kellie, Margaret, Peter and Tammy.

Cremation has taken place. A Military Honors Memorial Service at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery will be announced at a later time.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cleveland Clinic Hospice or Cleveland Clinic’s Parkinson’s Disease Research at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193-1655 - in memory of Harold R. Williams or made online at (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/giving). If using the website, please select "other" then type in the box either Hospice or Parkinson’s disease research. *Check the box for an honorary or memorial gift for Harold R. Williams. Alternatively, donations may be made to the Kent State University Foundation or the Newman Center in Kent, Ohio. Services in care of Bissler and Son’s Funeral Home.

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