Richard Arnold Williams

He was born in St. Louis, Missouri at St. Louis Maternity Hospital on March 9th, 1947. He was welcomed by his loving parents, Vivian Alice (Weinhold) Williams and Arnold Tredwell Williams.

Richard was baptized into the Lutheran Church on April 13th, 1947 at Messiah Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri. His Godparents were Myrtle Weinhold and Edwin Weinhold.

He grew up attending Boy Scouts, where his dad was a scout master. Richard would eventually go on to become an Eagle Scout, where he earned many badges and honors.

Richard attended Roosevelt High school in St. Louis, Missouri. He was an active trumpet player in the marching band and he lettered in track and field. Richard graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1965.

He began his career with the United States Navy in 1966. Throughout the years, he served in an active-duty capacity, as well as with the reserves.

Richard was a jack-of-all-trades, and did many things throughout his lifetime...most of his careers involved law enforcement, cooking, mechanics, and newspaper advertising. While in the Navy, he served in Aviation Maintenance, Base Police, and as a Mess Specialist. Additionally, Richard served in local law enforcement in various suburbs throughout the St. Louis area, as well as in Ozark County, Missouri. Richard was also a talented baker, and he opened various donut-shops in both Missouri and Arkansas.

He was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Enterprise, Alabama for several years, and was a recent member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Marianna, Florida.

Richard was a definite outdoorsman and he enjoyed several outdoor activities, including fishing, duck-hunting, water-dog training, and deer-hunting. He also enjoyed a variety of sports, and on any given-Saturday during the months of September through November, you could bet he was watching his favorite team play football: The Florida State Seminoles.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Arnold and Vivian Williams, and by his loving daughter Jamie Jean Williams who passed in 1987.

Richard is survived by his daughters Sherry A. Roche (Christopher), and Amy D. Fictum (Lyle), and by his son Adam P. Williams.

He is also survived by two brothers: Ralph A. Williams (Sharon), and Robert A. Williams (Susette). 9 grand-children: Victoria Shiffler, Elijah Shiffler, Abigail Shiffler, Samuel Shiffler, Mary Shiffler, TJ Roche, Jonah Fictum, Tanner Fictum, and Meghan Fictum. Several nieces and nephews.

Richard is also survived by his beloved companion and wagging-friend, Winston, who was a faithful friend to the end.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 16th, 2016 at Ascension Lutheran Church; 3975 Highway 90 Marianna, Florida at 2:00pm (CST). Funeral arrangements being handled by Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home of Tallahassee, Florida. Interment with military honors will be held at a later date at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.