Dr. Luther Chase Williams, III

Luther Chase Williams III of Columbia, SC died on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the age of 82. Born in Lancaster, South Carolina, on July 10, 1943, he was the son of the late Susan Jones Connelly and Charles Kearns Connelly Jr. and the grandson of Ira Boyd Jones and Minnie Craig Jones.

Luther is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Griffith Williams; his daughter, Ashby Williams Lang of Houston, Texas, and her husband, David; his daughter, Katherine Williams Foo of Lancaster, South Carolina, and her husband, Jeff; and his son, Charles Peter Andrew Williams of Dallas, Texas, and his wife, Ashley. Also cherishing his memory are his grandchildren, Carolyn Susan Renshaw, William Jackson Lang, Andrew Chase Williams, Julia Carys Lang, Samuel Lee Foo, Riley Madison Williams, and Jonathan Craig Lang. He was preceded in death by his son, Ian Craig Griffith Williams. His beloved fur baby, Nola, also survives him. 

A devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina, Luther was formerly active at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he served on the vestry and as a Eucharistic minister and chalice bearer. He also served on the board of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. 

Education and medicine were lifelong passions. After graduating as valedictorian of Lancaster High School, Luther earned a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine from Davidson College and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. His medical training included an internship, residency, and fellowship in pediatrics and pediatric cardiology at MUSC, followed by an additional fellowship in pediatric cardiology at the University of Virginia Hospital. 

Luther served as a pediatric cardiologist at the USAF Medical Center at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi before building a distinguished career in academic medicine and patient care. His appointments included clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Tulane University School of Medicine, associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, and professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. In addition to teaching, he practiced pediatric cardiology at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans and at Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. 

A true Renaissance man, Luther's curiosity and love of learning knew no bounds. As the owner of three harpsichords, including one he built himself, he spent countless hours playing and listening to classical music and sharing that passion with his children and grandchildren. After moving to Columbia, Luther took painting lessons, became an artist, and even hosted his own one-man show at the Lancaster County Arts Council. His vast knowledge of subjects, both practical and obscure, was never more on display than when he was beating his family and friends at Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit.

Luther was known to his beloved grandchildren simply as “Pops”. He built strong bonds with all of them, and they will forever hold him close in their hearts. Whether it was playing board games or watching Seinfeld, he brought his full heart and attention to every gathering. 

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 o’clock, Wednesday, June 3rd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The service for Dr. Williams will be held at 10 o’clock, on Thursday, June 4th, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral with a reception to immediate follow in Satterlee Hall of the Church. A graveside service will follow at 2 o’clock, in Westside Cemetery, 314 W Barr St, Lancaster, SC 29720.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201 or The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, Columbia, SC and Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, is assisting the family.