Richard Franklin Williams

Richard Franklin Williams was born on April 7, 1931, in Holly Springs, Arkansas, moving to Talco, Texas at age 14. He had a work ethic that would be hard to match, and had experience in many areas of work through the years. Upon graduating from high school, he worked for Safeway as a meat cutter and in 5 years was promoted to market manager. In 1951 He married Barbara Nell Worthy, a little Mississippi girl who had come to Texas to find him. They married in 1952 and celebrated 64 years on February 10, 2016. Then for several years, he drove an auto transport truck with an accident free record of over 800,000 miles.

In 1965, Richard and Barbara moved to Longview to go into business for themselves. They opened Rick’s Auto Discount Center, an auto parts store and garage. (Barbara said they opened on half of a shoestring.) Richard was a good “shade tree mechanic”, but they knew nothing about running a business. But they did run it successfully for more than 18 years, building a reputation of doing honest work at reasonable prices, never charging people for anything they didn’t get, paying their employees more than they paid themselves and never opening on Sundays.

They sold it in 1984 for Richard to explore another talent. They built Rick’s Woodshed. For 4 years he made beautiful, quality woodcrafts and they went to craft shows all around the country. Then for 3 years, they made silk screen frames, selling them all over the U.S. and as far away as Guam and Puerto Rico.

In the 90’s they became concerned about the hardwood trees due to the destructive clearcutting system. They started the North American Hardwood Preservation society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and replanting hardwood trees. With the help of family and a few friends, they worked for several years clearing and repairing damaged land and planting trees. They bought hardwood seedlings from the Texas Forest Service and, with the co-operation of County Extension Agent Rex Youngblood, sponsored tree give-a-ways. A lot of those trees are growing in East Texas counties today. The Houston Chronicle published a story on Richard and the organization, calling him “The Johnny Appleseed of Hardwood Trees.”

He always gave his all whether he was an employee or business owner. After retiring several times, he started working for his son, Rick in his sign shop. In his late 70’s he learned welding and metal fabricating and became a valued member or Rick’s team. Richard was also an avid and successful fisherman. He loved going fishing, taking others with him and giving away cleaned fish for others to enjoy. He and Barbara hosted many fish frys for family and friends.

Having moved to Longview when the Pine Tree Church of Christ was 8 months old, they loved being “almost charter members”. Richard was a life-long Christian. He especially enjoyed his “Sunday morning hugs.” Richard was a good man who quietly lived his faith. He was honest, loyal, resilient, and persevering, giving his all to whatever work was before him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughter, Lawanna Pond and husband Ronnie, sons, Rick Williams and wife Sharon, and son Ted Williams, nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Wanda Wood and husband Rex of Arp, Texas and many other extended family members.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at Lakeview Funeral Home. The family will receive guests from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at the funeral home.

Instead of the usual floral tributes, the family suggests contributions be made to The Pine Tree Church of Christ mission fund, the Caring and Sharing Center, or by simply planting a Hardwood Tree in Richard’s memory. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the nurse's of Heritage Hospice for their tremendous love and care for Richard during his illness.