Richard Laurence Williams

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Celebrating the life of
Richard Laurence WilliamsFebruary 05, 1915 - November 15, 2016

Richard Laurence Williams died November 15, 2016 at his home. Mr. Williams was born February 5, 1915, in Van Meter IA, to Thomas C. and Garnet Clayton Williams. His childhood on a farm near Ruthven IA, taught him the value of hard work and frugality. After graduating from Silver Lake High School in Ayrshire IA, Mr. Williams left home to attend Iowa State University. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and a reserve commission in the Army Corps of Engineers.

Mr. Williams was called to active duty in the US Army a few months before Pearl Harbor. During three years of service in the World War II European theater, he participated in the Morocco and Sicily landings of General Patton’s First Armored Corps and later in the Allied landing in southern France and the subsequent invasion of Germany. At the 1943 Casablanca Conference, as a young lieutenant, he was responsible for organizing and implementing physical logistics related to the U.S. delegation led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Mr. Williams courted and married Jean Elizabeth Beckmann of Savannah, daughter of Frederick George and Annie Helmken Beckmann. This marriage, a love affair, lasted happily for the 62 years from April 6, 1945 until Jean’s death August 28, 2008. Mr. Williams was proud of his three daughters, Deborah, Ann, and Elizabeth (Riley), as well as their families, and loved them dearly.

For many years Mr. Williams was a manager for Frigidaire Sales Corporation in Atlanta and elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Williams retired to Savannah in 1976.

They were founding members of Messiah Lutheran Church on Skidaway Island and were active participants in the ministry of the church. Mr. Williams’ Christian faith was the foundation of his life. He loved people regardless of race or social status. Compassion for people suffering from hunger, abuse, or violence inspired his support of relief agencies including Lutheran World Hunger Appeal, United Way, America’s Second Harvest, and others. He was particularly devoted to the work of the Savannah SAFE Shelter for women and children affected by domestic abuse. He volunteered at SAFE for many years and served on the board of directors for more than ten years. He worked diligently and successfully to encourage the SAFE board to commit to building a badly needed new facility, which now is a credit to Savannah. In his later years, Mr. Williams was involved in the work of America’s Second Harvest, which feeds hungry people in Savannah and surrounding areas. He was passionate about the work of Lutheran World Hunger Appeal, which provides food for refugees and others in need.

Mr. Williams is survived by his daughters, Deborah Williams, Evanston IL; Ann W. (Terry) Brantley, Waynesville NC; and Elizabeth W. Harrelson, Savannah; his grandchildren, Jason (Amy) Harrelson, Orange Beach AL; Jonathan (Cassie Schmitz) Koomjian, Seattle WA; Will Koomjian, Portland OR; Amanda (C.J.) Batlle, Avondale Estates GA; Lauren Brantley, Nashville TN; Jessica (John) Beatty, Birmingham AL; Camille Harrelson, Denver CO; and Clay Harrelson, Charleston SC; his great-grandchildren, Lily, Brantley, and Beckman Batlle and Adelyn Harrelson; and many cousins, primarily in Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Monday, November 21 at Messiah Lutheran Church, One Ridge Road, Savannah 31411. Visitation with the family will be during the hour preceding the service, and a reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, SAFE Shelter (PO Box 61119, Savannah 31420), or America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia (2501 East President Street, Savannah 31404).

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Elizabeth and family, my deepest sympathy to you all, I was very fond of your mom and dad. He was always smiling and so kind. My prayers and love are with you all. Love Janice and family

- Janice Phelps, Savannah, Ga

Deb, I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I see you in your father's photograph. I know you loved him dearly and visited him often during his last years. Your devotion should give you comfort as you grieve.My heart goes out to you during this tough time. Your father sounds like a wonderful man. Love, Janet

- Janet Schroeder, Evanston, IL

Ann and Terry, We love and miss you guys and look forward to you getting back and spending time together. Our hearts are with you during this sad, yet celebratory time. Ann, your daddy sounds like one amazing man who definitely made a difference in people's lives. I see why you have loved and cared for him so deeply. You are in our prayers. Jerri and Steve

- Jerri and Steve Harris, Maggie Valley, , NC

The photo of your dad is exactly how I remember him. He was and still is one of God's angels. So glad you girls had him for as long as you did. Bless you all!

- Mary Woldstad, Glacier County, MT

Sending my sympathies and love to the entire Williams family. Tuffy, first cousin to Richard, and I shared many good times together with your folks and grandparents.

- Elva Swallow, Dallas Center, IA

Ann and Terry, We were sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. From reading the Memorial, he must have been an amazing man. We know that he produced an amazing family. Love, Paul and Ginah Butler

- Paul and Ginah Butler, Maggie Valley, NC

What a lovely tribute to your father. I remember when Richard, Jean & family would come back to Iowa for visits with relatives. Time spent together consisted of many stories & laughter! Our hearts are joined with yours as we celebrate the life of one remarkable man who showed and shared the love of Jesus.

- Vic & Lyn Mitchell, Urbandale, Ia

My sincere condolences to your family and friends may they fine comfort in Isaiah 33:24, when death will be removed forever.

- Harris , Buford , Ga.

I celebrate Richard's life with you. One of the best examples of a man who lived his life as God intended and I'm sure is in the presence of his heavenly Father now. We will never know how many lives he touched but I'm sure in the thousands by his kind, gentle and loving nature. His example is his testimony. My father (Tuffy) and Richard were cousins on the Clayton side. My wife and I now live within a few miles of the Williams house on E Salem in Indianola, Ia. We drive that street every Sunday and every time I see E Salem, my thoughts are with the Williams Family, Tom, Garnet, Richard, Jean and the girls.

- John & Renee Swallow, Carlisle, Ia

I'm sorry for your loss. My grandmother was Garnet's sister. I remember meeting your father and mother a couple of times in Iowa. I had the pleasure of corresponding with your dad a few times a few years ago. I hope that you find comfort in your memories and in knowing that thoughts and prayers are being sent your way. God Bless

- Renee Hawbaker Happel, Grimes, Ia

Such a tribute to a wonderful man... To his family and all the many people he helped over the years. His service to our country and to mankind over the years... You must be very proud. Our thoughts are with your family in these hard times.

- John and Lynn. Phillips, Jupiter, Fl

I remember your father with sweet fond memories - How special it was that he was featured on the news working at Second Harvest . He was so sweet to have Nick and me join you for Thanksgiving dinner. I remember how excited he was about the memorial for veterans on River Street. I know he was a wonderful father because he has three beautiful, loving daughters. My heart is with you and your family at this difficult time.

- Dawn Hagin, Savannah, GA

You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time of losing your dad. I always enjoyed seeing your precious pictures on facebook of him with your sweet family. May your memories help to fill the void left in your heart. Love to all!

- Susan Brown Barfield, Savannah, GA

Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. You have been blessed to have your dad so long. Find comfort in love of family around you and know that I am thinking of you.

- Ellen Caldwell, Charlotte, NC

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Nancy and Jim

- Nancy Beckmann Sills, Pine Mountain Valley, , GA

My condolences to the Williams Family. My the God of comfort give you his peace and may may you find comfort in knowing that your loss is shared. John 5:28

- , Lawrenceville , GA

Dick was our first neighbor when we moved to Savannah in 2004, and I daresay out best neighbor ever. Jean's voice could melt your heart, and Dick's very countenance could bring a twinkle to your eye. They were a perfect pair. Dick was a thoughtful, no-nonsense, and well informed man, but most of all his sense of humor, so often understated, was his trademark for us. We treasure the friendship we formed with Dick, and the wonderful times we enjoyed. Peace to you, good friend.

- Layne and Gary Rabold, Savannah, GA