Greg Allen Williams

Greg hailed from a family of artists and found his calling as a photographer early on, exploring the continuum from pinhole photography to 360-degree digital composites, and garnering nationwide recognition. His musical tastes were equally diverse. He had an ear for the eclectic and an eye for the obscure.

His sense of adventure translated to the kitchen. Not one to take shortcuts, anything he put his mind to became an all-day affair, and the results spoke for themselves.

As an imaging specialist Greg spent the better part of 4 decades photographing significant works for the Art Institute of Chicago and National Gallery of Art in D.C., combining technical skills with his insight and genuine admiration. He was an avid supporter of outsider artists and amassed a collection of folk art over the years.

Greg had an untimely passing at the age of 63 and is survived by his mother Janet Brown Williams, his sisters Lori and Darcie, his wife Smita, his daughter Lucky, and his “big baby” Bessie (their dog). He treasured his family and doted on his daughter from the minute she arrived on the scene. Religiously documenting every soccer game and chaperoning school field trips to more recently texting daily affirmations: “9 am Reporting for duty”—He loved being a dad.

He will be remembered for his generosity, humble nature, and dry wit.

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us at Phyllis’ Musical Inn in Chicago to celebrate the life and times of Greg during the solstice weekend. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or the Jed Foundation.