Richard M. Williams peacefully went home to be with the Lord on January 6, 2026. He was born on May 27, 1936, at Hollywood Farms in Herndon, Virginia.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Claude E. Williams, Sr.; his mother, Reva Daniel Alcock Williams; and his sister, Betty Williams Thacker.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Deanna E. Williams, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, faith, and partnership. He is also survived by his two sons, of whom he was deeply proud, Tom Williams and his wife Elizabeth Williams of Atlanta, Georgia, and Bruce Williams and his wife Cheryl Williams of The Villages, Florida; his older brother, Claude E. Williams, Jr., and his wife Elizabeth Elliott Williams of Lynchburg, Virginia; two nephews; one niece; five grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild, all of whom he cherished deeply.

Richard was a lifelong Virginian. He attended school in Herndon, Virginia, from elementary school through graduation in June of 1955, all in the same historic schoolhouse—a testament to both the times and his deep roots in the community.

Following in his brother's footsteps, Richard proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Military Policeman from 1957 until 1960. After his military service, he continued his commitment to public service by joining the Vienna Police Department on Halloween, 1961. Over a distinguished 32-year career, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant and served with honor until his retirement on December 31, 1993. During his tenure, he earned the respect of colleagues and the community he served.

Richard had a deep love for the outdoors and for farming. He found peace working the land, tending to his surroundings, and living close to nature. His appreciation for a simpler, hardworking way of life often led him to say that he believed he had been born in the wrong century.

On January 25th 1976, Richard received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, a decision that shaped the final decades of his life and brought him great peace and purpose.

After spending 30 years living in Oakton, Virginia, Richard and Deanna moved in December 1997, to Sandy Level, Virginia. Leaving Northern Virginia behind to fulfill his long-held dream of settling in the mountains of Sandy Level, and became a member of Sandy Level Baptist Church.  During this time he was taught in the ways of the Lord by his Best Friend and Pastor Kendall Smith, and on July 25th, 2021, became a Deacon for the Church.

Richard will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud public servant, faithful Christian, and a man of integrity whose life was marked by service, humility, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and dedication that will continue to live on in all who knew him.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

— 2 Timothy 4:7

Services to be held at Sandy Level Baptist Church, Saturday, Mach 7, 2026 at noon.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna, is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.