Currituck- Richard Earl Williams, 71, died at his home of natural causes July 14, 2021. He was born February 14, 1950 in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Albert E. Williams and Merium Baggett Williams; his paternal grandparents, Clyde Williams and Della Williams; and his maternal grandparents, Henry Baggett and Elvira Baggett.
After graduating from Roanoke Rapids High School, Rick went to Elon College in Elon, NC. He graduated in 1972 with a degree in physical education. Rick’s teaching career was shortened by a debilitating illness. Eventually, with appropriate medication, Rick lived a quiet life helping and praying for others.
Rick was very faithful in love of truth as it is in Jesus and in his prayers for the intercession of God in the affairs of humanity. He knew darkness personally, longed for and sought the light of heaven in his daily life and for friends, family, and strangers. Rick lived an unassuming life of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5. 22); but he would protest it not so.
Rick is survived by his wife, Shirley Hendrix Williams; four siblings, David L. Williams (Trudy); Janet W Arrington (Ken), Brenda W Gunnels (Dick); Albert Keith Williams (Ingrid- deceased); and Tommy Fondren, a friend who was a brother to him; nine nieces and nephews and numerous grand nieces and nephews. Rick enjoyed nothing more, as long as he was able, than remembering his family members with Hallmark’s best birthday cards (and a bit of money for the youngsters).
The family is honoring Rick’s wishes for cremation. His memorial celebration will be held at the Gallop Barco Memorial Chapel (4055 Caratoke Highway Barco, NC) Sunday July 18, 2021 at 2 pm.
The family will greet friends during a brief reception following the service.
Expressions of sympathy and comfort are welcome via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.