C.Richard Williams

C. Richard Williams, 77, of Valdosta died Friday, September 9, 2016 at Select Specialty Hospital in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born on February 5, 1939 in Lowndes County to the late James Birner and Sula Warren Williams and was a lifelong resident of this area. Mr. Williams was a member of the Church of Christ. Richard served the people of Valdosta for 37 years as a professional firefighter. Beginning in 1960, he worked hard and devoted himself to his profession and to the men with whom he served. As he promoted through the ranks, he represented all Valdosta firefighters as a leader and as president of the local International Association of Fire Fighters (AFL-CIO). He also served as a leader in the Georgia State Fire Fighters Association. In 1986 Richard was promoted to Chief of the Department. He served in this capacity until his retirement in 1996.
Richard loved Joyce, his wife of 57 years. Together, they raised their three sons and a nephew. As a family, Richard and Joyce worked tirelessly in their many business endeavors. In 1974, they began Humpty Dumpty Playschool. For twenty-five years they positively impacted thousands of South Georgia families.
Richard enjoyed sports and he loved the Lowndes High Vikings. He was a long time member of the Vikings Touchdown Club, serving at different times as its president and treasurer.
Richard loved nature. Having been raised on the farm, he loved and was gifted in growing any number of plants, trees, garden vegetables and flowers. With Mrs. Joyce's creative spirit to guide their course, they opened the Flower Depot and Garden Center. After several years, they sold the "flower shop" and "retired again" to their new home in Brooks County. Richard and Joyce then began their retirement by developing The Oak Ridge Lodge, a community center that serves as a beautiful setting for weddings, receptions, reunions, parties, meetings, and dinners.
Richard Williams was a good neighbor to all, a friend to many, and a man who loved his family unconditionally. He often stated, "Treat others the way you would want to be treated." He has given to so many an example of how to love your neighbor as yourself – of how to fulfill the Golden Rule of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He said often, "Leave things better than when you found them." He did.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years of Joyce Williams of Valdosta; three sons and two daughters in law, Rev. Rick and Tami Williams of Nashville, GA, F. David Williams of Valdosta, GA Timothy and Lena Williams of Barney, GA; 11-grandchildren and 6-great grandchildren; sister and brother in law, Christine and John Wynn of Leesburg, FL; special nephew and his wife, James D. and Sara Sadler of Clearwater, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 11am, Tuesday, September 13, 2016 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with his son, Rev. Rick Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-8pm at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602