Richard Williams, Jr.

Richard Williams, Jr. was born on April 12, 1933 in Vaiden, MS.  He was the 4th of 10 children born to the late Bertha and Richard Williams, Sr.  He was preceded in death by brothers, C.J., and Vernon and sisters, Lizabeth, Elizabeth and Lola Mae.  As a child, Richard was lovingly called Richard Jr. by friends and family.  Richard Jr. spent his early childhood in Vaiden, MS and professed his life to Christ at that time.

In 1956, he migrated to Chicago, IL.  Richard had a strong work ethic and took pride in whatever job he undertook.  He was a jack of many trades.  He worked as a Chef, Laborer, Forklift Operator and a Heavy Equipment Operator. He mastered his profession as one of the first African American Heavy Equipment Operators  in the Midwest Operating Engineers, Local 150.

After 30 years at D.H. Johnson Construction, Richard Jr., retired and returned to his home in Vaiden.  He enjoyed his life in the south, spending his days hunting with his brothers, O.T., Emmitt, and Vernon and longtime friend R.W.  He also loved playing cards, sitting under the trees and hitting the casinos.  He was no stranger to a good joke or prank either.

Richard Jr. was a family oriented man.  He was united in matrimony to Lula Bertha Applewhite Williams and the late Mary Williams.  Through these unions, a blended family was born.

He was preceded in death by daughter, Phyllis.  Richard Jr. leaves to cherish his memory, two brothers, O.T. and Emmitt of Vaiden, MS; two sisters, Ann of Chicago, IL and Peggy of St. Paul, MN; 10 children: Shirley of Atlanta, GA, Charles (Angalee), Diane, Carla (Albert), Donny (Kandiste), Linda (Allan), LaDonna (Robert), Ricky (Traci), James and Tanya (Larnell), all of Chicago, IL.  He also leaves a legacy of 29 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

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