Dr. W.A. Williams Jr., 72, a native of Cape Girardeau, died Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at his home in Wichita, Kan.

He was born Jan. 19, 1935, in Cape Girardeau, son of Pearl and Willis Williams Sr.

Dr. Williams was a compassionate physician who dedicated his life to helping others during his 40-year medical career. After attending medical school at the University of Tennessee, and completing his internship in Knoxville, Tenn., he began practicing medicine in 1958 at the Seabaugh Clinic in Cape Girardeau.

During his career he practiced medicine in Arapahoe and Lexington, Neb., and Halstead, Kan. He was an FAA certified aviation medical examiner and was board certified in family practice and emergency medicine.

He served as a captain in the U.S. Army.

His hobbies included aviation, hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Kay LaFont Williams; eight children, Tyler, Wade, Michelle, Renee, Jeff, Tripp, Lynn, Lark; and 18 grandchildren.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mike Shupert officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.