J. Richard Williams

J. Richard Williams, 88 of Gainesville passed away peacefully at home Monday January 29, 2024, following an extended illness.

He was born in Winder, Georgia to the late Robert "Samuel", Sr. and Elizabeth Durham Williams.

Richard graduated from Winder High School, where he played in the band and also was a graduate of the University of Georgia as an Art Major. Although his degree was in Art he became a Regional Vice President with W.S. Tyler Company and traveled to several countries with his work. Mr. Williams served in the United States Army.

His hobbies included art, woodworking and music, with the guitar being his love. During his college years he played in a combo band named "The Continentals." Music was his passion which he enjoyed all of his life.

After retirement and his move back to Gainesville, he was involved with the Hall County Literacy Action Program. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church on Washington Street and sang in the choir. Richard also attended Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Blairsville, Georgia.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Heller Williams and their only child, Michael. Also, sister, Jaqueline (Jack) Hammond, Robert Samuel, Jr., (Carolyn) Williams, Victor (Alice) Williams, niece, Clair Windover, brother-in-law, Glenn Hamby.

He met his second wife, Cheryl as he attended a class for diabetes and after Richard's much persuasion they began dating and married in 2000.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Hamby Williams, 2 stepdaughters and spouses, Lisa (Terry) Wilburn and Tara (Alan) Hamilton. Five grandchildren, Five great grandchildren, brothers-in-law and spouses, William and Michelle Heller, Ed and Kathy Heller, sister-in-law, Joann Hamby, and a number of nieces, nephews and his special cats, Little Bit and Fluffy.

Visitation will be held Thursday February 1, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Little & Davenport Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held Friday February 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home. Rev. Steve Midkiff and Rev. Winfred Pitts will officiate.  Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. Friday at Shady Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery in Blairsville, Georgia with Rev. Mack Riley officiating.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 1604 Owltown Road, Blairsville, Georgia 30512 or a charity of your choice in Mr. Williams memory.

Gentlemen asked to serve as pallbearers are, William Heller, Brayden Cheathem, Robby Williams, Clint Teston, David Hammond, Bill Davidson, Gentlemen asked to serve as honorary pallbearers, Butch Teston, Sam Williams, Terry Wilburn and Alan Hamilton.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.