Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

On Sept. 14, Dr. Duane Williams was named the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year at the organization’s annual award banquet.

In Williams 33-year career at Stabler Clinic Pediatrics, he has made an impact on the lives of many patients who have nothing but respect and kind words to give about the beloved doctor. 

“My mother had ten children and every single one of us was seen by Dr. Williams,” said Rosie McLain Till. “She trusted him to do what was best for her babies, which led me to trust him with mine. Greenville had one of the most loving and genuine pediatricians through many generations. His legacy and hard work will never be forgotten.”

LeShai Johnson described how comforting he was to her as a new mother. 

“As a new parent, I would get scared when my child wasn’t feeling well,” Johnson said. “Dr. Williams felt my concern and he gave me great words of comfort and talked me through what was going on.”

Johnson recalled the biggest relief she felt as a young mother was when Williams gave her his cell phone number and said to call him anytime. 

“His number is still in my phone on the speed dial,” Johnson said. 

Williams was born in Birmingham before his family moved to South Bend, Indiana. He graduated from Louisiana State University Medical School and then opened his own practice in Slidell, Louisiana. 

Around 20 years later Williams saw an ad Dr. Paul Stabler ran in the Pediatric Journal for a pediatrician in Greenville. With a desire to return to his roots, Williams moved to Greenville and began his career at the Stabler Clinic in 1989. Williams retired last year after over 30 years serving the community. 

Crystal Bowen said she owes her son’s life to Williams. 

“When my oldest son Alan and my youngest son Owen were babies we went to see Dr. Williams for Alan,” Bowen said. “During the appointment Owen was sleeping in his carrier, but Dr. Williams looked over at him and asked what was wrong with him. I was confused because there was nothing wrong with him that I knew of, but he ordered a blood test for him. Owen was diagnosed with leukemia. Dr. Williams somehow just knew something was wrong.”

Bowen said Owen is 13 now and 10 years in remission. 

“I honestly owe doctor Williams everything,” she said. “He saved Owen. We love Dr. Williams and this is just one of the countless things he has done for us!”

William’s wife, Edith, said he was just as great with helping the mothers as he was with the children who visited his office.  

“Everywhere we went, everybody knew Dr. Williams,” Edith said. “Everyone just loves him. I don’t know a lot of doctors that will give their personal numbers out, but he did it everytime, and he was just really great with the kids and the mamas.”

Besides pediatrics, Williams other passion is hunting, specifically long wooden bow hunting as he doesn’t hunt with guns. He is a member of the Traditional Bow Hunting Society, and has always enjoyed climbing trees the old fashioned way. Now after retirement, Williams hopes to be able to get back into bow shooting and is currently building up his strength to do so. 

Sandy Rodgers said Greenville will never be the same without the doctor.  

Williams said he has cherished every moment of his career here.

“I am overwhelmed and very grateful to be recognized as the Citizen of the Year,” Williams said. “I’m thankful that people have trusted me with their children and grandchildren all of these years. I wish I could still work, and I miss it terribly. I have made good friends here in Greenville and in my work, and I have loved every minute of it.”