Richard L. “Red” Williams, 87, of Spotsylvania County passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, surrounded by family. He ended a long struggle with cancer, with the help of God and those he loved by his side.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Beulah J. Williams. He also leaves behind a daughter, Diana L. Williams of Caroline County, and a son, Dennis F. Williams and his wife Anne of Rappahannock County; three granddaughters, Jennifer Kleczkowski, of Spotsylvania, Elizabeth Campbell of Archdale, North Carolina, and Holly Graham of Georgetown, Kentucky. He lived to enjoy seven great grandchildren. Other survivors include his sisters, Ruby Barley, Ruth Smith, Rosalie Jarrell, and his brother, Robert Williams all of Spotsylvania.
Richard was a World War II veteran having served in the U.S. Naval Amphibious Force (U.S.S. LST-60) which participated in the Normandy Invasion on “D” Day, June 6, 1944. After the initial invasion, he made more than 50 trips to the invasion beachheads liberating the ports in order to deliver troops, vehicles, and supplies as well as transporting casualties and prisoners of war on the return trips.
He retired in 1974 from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, as an administrative officer after 32 years of combined military and civilian service. He had received numerous medals, awards, and commendations for his service to the U.S. Navy. He was a long time member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the U.S. Naval Memorial Foundation and a lifetime member of the Fredericksburg Pythian Lodge.
Richard was a man of great faith who put God and his family first in everything he did. His smile, positive attitude, and his care for others brought joy into the lives of everyone he met. He felt that one of his main goals in life was to “treat people right.” He attended Round Oak Baptist Church every week until he was no longer able to do so.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at noon on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Sunset Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Randolph M. Newsome officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.
Pallbearers will be David Winn, James Smith, Chad Campbell, Daniel Graham, Don Farmer and Michael Shiflett.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad, to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, VA., 24523 or to a favorite charity.
He had often said how grateful he was to have been given such a long life to spend with his family and friends. He remarked that “Old sailors never die — they just drift to a peaceful shore”.
“God saw him getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put his arms around him and whispered, “Come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.”
It is with great sadness that I send my love and offer up prayers on behalf of the entire Williams’ family. “Granddaddy Williams”, as I will always think of him, was one of the most humble, gentle and kindest men I have ever known. I have many wonderful memories of my children growing up with his grandchildren. His life itself spoke of his love of God, his wife and family but also mankind as a whole. May you feel the comforting presence and peace of God as well as the joy in all the many “precious memories” of a truly wonderful child of God. Well done, thy good and faithful servant! Love in Christ, Dina
What a kind, loving, wonderful man. As young boy, I remember being around him and hoping I would someday be half the man, brother, husband that Richard Williams was. Very few could live up the bar as he set it incredibly high. The heavens will surely be brighter from this day on. My prayers are with his family.
Jennifer, Diana and family: You are all in my thoughts and prayers. He obviously was a much loved man that was cherished.
Love,
Chris
Richard was a very special man. It was always so good to see Richard and Beulah out. Richard always had a smile and a twinkle in his eyes and was so glad to see family and old friends. Richard and my Dad were great buddies. Dad would alway tell me when Richard and Beulah came to visit. He loved recalling memories that they shared. My thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family. God Bless.
My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends during your time of grief. Even though, I didn’t know Richard I knew his siblings (Rosalie, Ruby and Robert). He’s in the arms of the Lord and one day will be reunited with his earthly family–oh what a day that will be…
I’m praying for God to comfort you during your time of grief.
My sincere condolences to the family.
He is sailing on smooth seas for evermore .
Beulah, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You can rejoice knowing that you will see Richard again in Heaven.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Richard’s entire family. We will remember the many kind and thoughtful things Beulah and Richard did for my mother, Louise. She loved the visits and cards she received. It was an indication of just how caring and giving person he was. I never saw him when he did not have a big smile on his face. May Heavenly Father be with you all at this time and always.
God bless you Diana and your family and may he surround you with his love.
Richard did, indeed, “treat people right” in his role as a member of Spotsylvania Board of Social Services. He was successful in bringing out the best in people. I remember him as an inspirational and generous volunteer of his time and talents.
May God bless his family and friends during this time of bereavement.
Respectfully,
Loraine Lemoine
Beulah, Ruth and family,
I am so saddened by this news. Rchard was a wonderful Godly man whomI looked up to. I want you all to know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers during this time. I know its hard right now but know that he is in a much better place, he is up there with no more pain looking down on us all with the BIG contagious SMILE of his! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for anyone. I love you both.
May God Bless,
Melissa ‘Mullen’ Keen
I had missed him at church. his beautiful smile. I thought of him often during his illness and hoped for healing. I am saddened by his passing ;as you and all your family. May God keep his arms around you tightly.
May God surround you with his love and comfort you and the family during this time. God Bless.
Aunt Ruth and family
May God be with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Love
Mildred (Sis) and Gerald
Diana & Family,
It was with great sadness that I read of your Dad’s death. I’ll always remember his visits to Rehoboth and his wonderful, positive outlook on life. I know you miss him very much. Please know that you are in my prayers… May God bless you with His comfort and healing in the days ahead.
Pastor Bob & Sue
Know that you and your family continue in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for inviting us into your home and your family. It was an honor to help care for Mr. Williams.
The Staff of CC Home Health and Hospice,
Linda Ray, Chaplain
Know that your family continues in our prayers. Thank you for inviting us into your home and your family. It was an honor to help care for your father.
The staff of CC Home Health and Hospice Care
Linda Ray, Chaplain