Richard D. Williams Sr. (1938 – 2024)

Richard D. Williams Sr., 85, of Front Royal, Virginia, went home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Front Royal Baptist Temple, with Pastor Carl Menefee officiating. Interment will follow in Panorama Memorial Gardens at Waterlick.

Richard was born September 24, 1938, in Rappahannock County, Virginia, the son of the late Garnett D. and Katherine Grim Williams. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Pritchett Williams; son, Danny Williams; brothers, James Williams and Wayne Williams; sisters, Dorothy A. Glascock and Patty G. Massey; grandson, Justin Williams; and Great grandson, Justin Abbate.

He was a loyal and faithful Front Royal Baptist Temple member for many dedicated years. Richard had a passion for serving the Lord. He loved spending time with his family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he cherished. He had a desire to fly from an early age. He learned that cardboard wings, no matter how hard he flapped, would not allow him to fly, as he fell quickly into a sawdust pile. In 1982, he purchased his first Ultralight Aircraft and became the first person in the area to fly an Ultralight. This was the start of a 41-year passion and nearly 2800 hours of flight time, with a few bumps and lumps along the way. Upon retirement from Dupont, numerous co-workers became friends and flying buddies.

Survivors include his son, Richard (Rick) Williams, Jr., and wife, Teresa of Chandlersville, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Patty Potter of Verona, Virginia; brother, Ronnie A. Williams of Front Royal; sister, Barbara K. Dolly of Front Royal; 4 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and Gary Partlow, whom he loved as a son.

Kevin Glascock, Chuck Harper, Chris Hutzell, Robert Payne, Jeff VanAnden, Jamie VanAnden, Ryan Rohrbaugh, and Jeff Lewis will be pallbearers.

Mark Stallard, Chip Woodard, Kerry Young, Mike Sims, and George Cline will be honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the church on Monday, July 29, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to Front Royal Baptist Temple, 25 West 18th Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, or to a charity of one’s choice.