Submitted by: Dan Rich

Richard  Williams Jr.

June 13, 1932 - Oct. 9, 2008

South Bend Tribune 10/14/2008
SOUTH BEND - Richard "Dick" Williams Jr., 76, passed away Thursday, Oct. 9th. He was born June 13, 1932, in Union city, Tennessee, to the union of Richard Sr. and Jewel Williams. Richard was a longtime resident of South Bend. Richard served in the capacity of deacon for over 30 years within the local church. He served as chairman of the deacon board of New Covenant Baptist Church at the time of his passing under the leadership of Pastor Phillip Ingram. Richard was a dedicated man of GOD who committed his life to advancement of the GOD's Kingdom. Richard was a loving husband and father whose highest priority was providing for his family. Richard was preceded in death by his sons, Maurice and Larry "Poppy" Williams; parents; and two brothers, Melvin and Robert Rene Williams. Richard leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife, Mary Williams of 40 years; his children, James "Weasel" (Alecia), Warren "Wozzie," Richard "Squeaky" III (Valissa), Reginald "Dankie" Williams, all of South Bend, Sonya "Peaches" White of Texas and Tonya "Bea" Bannister of Michigan. He also with his loving wife, Mary adopted and raised James, Emil and Brian Williams, Emmanuel Butler, Mykisha, Candace, Cassia and Paloma Williams, Roshida Butler, Kaleena and Cory of California; brothers, Bernard (Clara), Len (Linda) of South Bend and Lewis of Edwardsburg, MI; sisters, Leslie Fowler of Edwardsburg, MI, and Barbara Coffey of Detroit, MI. He leaves behind 26 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, family and friends. Richard was a foster parent for over 20 years; he loved and raised over 150 children as his own.