Richard Wilson Williams died peacefully at Inova Loudoun hospital on Tuesday, December 15th in Leesburg, Virginia at the age of 80.

Richard is survived by his wife, Patricia Williams of Leesburg, Virginia, son, Michael Williams of Lovettsville, Virginia, his grandchildren, Alexa and Brian Williams of Alexandria, Virginia, brothers Roger Williams of Hamilton, Virginia, Larry Williams of Leesburg, Virginia, sisters, Gertrude Whetzel of Thurmont, Maryland, and Debbie Williams of Martinsburg, West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Ada Williams and brothers, Charles Williams, John Williams, Asa Williams and Denny Williams.

Richard was born on December 24 ^th , 1939 in Loudoun County Virginia to Roger and Ada Williams. He attended Loudoun County High School in Leesburg, Virginia. His first paying job was as a pinsetter at the Leesburg bowling lanes.  Later, he was hired as a truck driver at the J.T. Hirst and Company hardware and building materials store where he worked for 40+ years. He loved to dance and attended many dances at the Brunswick, Maryland public park where he met and eventually married his sweetheart in October 1962. They lived together in wedded bliss for 58+ years.

He was then drafted into the U.S Army and served from May 1963 to April 1969. Boot camp was held at Fort Gordon near Augusta, Georgia and he was assigned to Fort Richardson (now Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) near Anchorage, Alaska. He experienced the Great Alaskan Earthquake (9.2 magnitude) in 1964. He shared many stories and photos with his family of this historic event. This military experience provided him with many of the foundational skills to effectively provide a loving, stable home environment for his family for over 50 years.

After the completion of his active military service in 1965, he came back home to Leesburg and returned to J.T. Hirst and Company as a salesman. In 1966, the couple welcomed Michael into their home. His son remembers him as a kind, gentle and patient father and who encouraged him to pursue his goals. Richard was accomplished at various home improvement projects and often helped other family members with their projects. He loved playing a variety of local sports, especially baseball, softball, fishing and bowling. He was a quiet  man who spoke more with his actions than words. He was an active member of the American Legion and Jaycees for many years. Later in retirement, he was instrumental in assisting with the schooling and extracurricular activities of his grandchildren.

A funeral is scheduled for Monday, December 21 ^st at the Union Cemetery in Lovettsville, Virginia. Due to the pandemic, the ceremony will be private and limited to only the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite charity. The family would like to thank the hospital staff at Inova Loudoun Hospital for their care.