Richard Arnett Williams

SSGT Richard Arnett Williams (USMC retired), 85, of Albany, passed away Friday, April 11, 2014, at his home while surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2014 in the Chapel of Hall and Hall Funeral Home. Rev. Eddie Braswell will officiate with interment to follow at Andersonville National Cemetery with military honors. Born December 31, 1928, in West Columbia, S.C., Mr. Williams was the son of the late Ellis S. Williams and Mary North Williams. While in high school, he won numerous state and regional boxing championships and was the South Carolina Golden Glove Championship winner in 1946. Mr. Williams received seven athletic letters and received a resolution from the South Carolina House of Representatives. He was inducted to his high school’s athletic hall of fame in 1987. He proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam era. Mr. Williams was a member of the Marine Corps Boxing team in Quantico, VA, and MCAS Miami, FL. He was the Boston AAU champion and won the MESC Bantamweight Title in 1948 and was the winner of the Southern Florida Golden Glove title in the featherweight division in 1953. Mr. Williams held nine other titles in bantamweight division including Sixth Naval District, Atlantic Fleet, Middle –Atlantic AAU national and South Carolina AAU. He also represented the Marine Boxing Team in the Eastern Gloves Championship eliminations. Mr. Williams fought approximately 250 fights winning about 235, half of which were knockouts. He retired from the Marines and later retired from Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. He was also an avid bowler, loved gardening and was of the Baptist Faith. Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Mrs. Lennie Price Williams of Albany; sons, Randy Williams of Putney, Richard “Bubba” (Laurie) Williams of Charleston, S.C.; daughters, Bonnie St. John of Tifton, Debra Nickels of Costa Mesa, CA. and Amanda (David) Knight of Dawson; faithful caregiver, Keith Grimes; grandchildren, Stephen, Melinda, Bryan, Barry, Rich, Shaun, Rachel and Neal; several great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2014, at Hall and Hall Funeral Home.