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After a lengthy career, Dr. Duane Williams, beloved pediatrician who cared for many of Greenville’s residents, retired during a ceremony held last week at Regional Medical Center in Greenville.

The celebration featured many well-wishers and a visit from Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon, who gave Williams two distinctive honors – a proclamation naming Sept. 28 “Dr. Duane Williams Day,” and a key to the city.

The accolades were well deserved for a man who gave 33 years of his five-decade career in service to the people of Butler County.

Williams’ reputation within the community shined through in the proclamation read by McLendon. People who devote their lives to providing healthcare needs within their community bear a tremendous responsibility, and Williams embraced it with a clear passion that was reflected by those who attended and showered their thanks on Williams for his caring service.

There’s no doubt his care led to the healthy growth of many young people who went on to make positive contributions as adults within and outside of Butler County. Maybe some were even inspired by Williams’ commitment to caring and put the same level of dedication into their respective careers.

Having someone in a trusted role for the length of time Williams served greatly benefits a community as a whole. The doctors tasked with following up his storied career certainly have big shoes to fill as he set the example of what a community-focused physician should be. 

We hope Williams enjoys a much-deserved rest after so many years of hard work and care provided. He has earned it.

May the work ethic and passion he brought to his job shine through in the patients he served.