Wyman Loren Williams Jr. was born on May 5, 1927 in Columbia S.C., the eldest son of Wyman and Lorraine Williams. After graduating from Dreher High School in 1943 he enrolled at the University of South Carolina as an engineering major. In 1945, he enlisted in the US Navy, trained in electronics and in early 1947 was assigned to the Aviation Electronics Shop on board the USS Antietam. Although combat operations were over before he was at sea, he sailed on several tours in the Pacific and was discharged in 1949 as an Aviation Technician's Mate First Class. He returned to USC and completed his BA and MA in psychology. He was awarded his PhD in psychology from the University of Tennessee in 1955, with a 15 month hiatus after being called up for service at the commencement of the Korean War.

He married Sarah Green on June 26, 1954 in Knoxville. For the next ten years, Loren worked for the Human Resources Research Office of the Department of the Army, assigned to posts in El Paso, Texas, Hampton and Alexandria, Virginia. During that time he and Sarah had three sons: Loren, Steve and David. He left the Army and joined the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta as the Director of Educational Research. Eight years later he took a similar position at the Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond, where he worked for another seventeen years. After his retirement in 1989, he and Sarah moved to Sugar Grove, NC, outside of Boone, to open a bed and breakfast, which they named Rivendell. Five years later, they gave up innkeeping and settled in Seven Devils, NC, where Loren contributed to the community as a volunteer fire fighter, town council member and collector of stray golf balls. For his entire adult life, he was an active member of the various Episcopal parishes he belonged to, culminating in many active ministries and contributions to St. Luke’s parish in Boone.

Loren was proud of his Scottish heritage (Clan Macnachtan), and made several trips to Scotland to explore family history and the outdoors. He was fond of Spam and read deeply and broadly, especially military history. He was an avid hiker and outdoorsman. This was a passion that he inculcated in his family and numerous Boy Scouts.

But these facts do not do justice to his life. Loren was a man animated by curiosity, integrity and a practice of contributing his presence, wisdom, and sinews to all of the communities that he has been a part of. He was a good friend to many, a respected colleague, a loving, life-long partner to Sarah and a loving and generous father.

Loren is survived by his wife Sarah; his brothers and sisters-in-law Leland and Cornelia Williams of Columbia, SC, Cooper and Barbara Williams of Lake St. Charles, Missouri, Ellison and Elizabeth Smith of Conway SC; his sons and daughters-in-law Loren and Susan Williams of Decatur, Georgia, Steve and Helen Williams of Deep Gap, NC, David Williams and Sarah Zapolsky of Alexandria, Virginia; and five grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to:
Hospitality House of Boone,
The Hunger and Health Coaltion,
High Country Hospice or
St. Luke's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund