Richard DeLamar “Dick” Williams, III was born September 3, 1928 in Opelika,
Alabama to Richard DeLamar Williams, Jr. and Mayre Warner Williams, and died
April 29, 2023 in Decatur, Alabama.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Mary Vernon
Samford “Tay” Williams, as well as his brother, Warner Williams.
He is survived by his children, Margaret Williams Johnston (Rip), Caroline
Williams Sanders (Rick), Ginny Williams Sanders (Randy) and Richard DeLamar
Williams, IV (Nancy); his grandchildren, Elizabeth Johnston Stone (John), Mary
Johnston, Carrie Sanders Hart (Andrew), Kate Sanders Schemmel (Derek),
Richard Sanders (Lucy), Lauren Sanders Simpson (Jeff), Wesley Sanders
(Maria), Will Sanders (Alexandra), Richard DeLamar Williams, V (Andrea), Blair
Williams Bruckmann (Ronald) and Katherine Williams; and his 16 great-
grandchildren.
After graduating from Opelika High School, Dick proudly served in the United
States Navy, on the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin. Following his service he
attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, where he earned
a building science degree, and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
After graduating from Auburn he served as an officer in the the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers. Dick enjoyed a successful career in commercial construction as a
general contractor, beginning with Batson-Cook Company in Albany, GA and
Knoxville, TN, and culminating as a partner in the Gresham, Williams & Johnson
Company in Decatur. For the last 68 years Dick was an active member of the
First United Methodist Church, and the Kiwanis Club.
The family will receive friends at First United Methodist Church, in Decatur, on
May 3, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at
11:00 a.m. with The Reverend Alex Beaube and The Reverend Charles Boling
officiating. Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley and our caregivers for their
devoted care of our father.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 240
Johnston Street SW, Decatur, AL 35601 or First United Methodist Church, 805
Canal Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601
