Charles Richard Williams

Charles Richard Williams, known to everyone as Dick, was born on May 3, 1940 in Springfield, Illinois. Because he was a spinal bifida baby, the doctors gave him 6-8 weeks to live. He proved them SO wrong, nearly reaching 85!! He passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 5. His life was punctuated by continuous medical problems and countless surgeries, but his positive attitude, sense of humor and indomitable spirit buoyed him and those around him continually.

Being the last remaining in his immediate family, he was preceded by his parents, Marjorie Kluge Williams and John Robert Williams and his brothers, Jim, Harold, and Clyde. He leaves behind the light of his life, Judy, who was his life partner for over 61 years. Also remaining are his three children: Tim Williams, Theresa Yardley, and Amy Williams. Five grandchildren remain: Kelsey Makin, Hannah Cheshier, and Lane, Bryce, and Danielle Yardley. His two precious surviving great-granddaughters are Julie Barber and Leah Makin.

Dick was the first in his family to attend college, and his graduation from the University of Illinois was one of his proudest achievements. After working at Menaul High School, a Presbyterian Mission School in Albuquerque, Dick joined IBM in Dallas and began a career in computer technology, where he installed the first computer system at Harris Hospital in Fort Worth and the first computer system for Tarrant County and for John Peter Smith Hospital.

Along with business careers with Sylvan Learning Corporation in Seattle and GTE in Southern California, Dick became an expert in strategic business planning and business turn-arounds and traveled the country in those endeavors.

Despite the problems associated with his spina bifida, Dick enjoyed numerous sports. He was an avid runner, including a half-marathon. He and Judy loved playing mixed doubles tennis and made solid tennis friendships, lasting decades. Dick became an outstanding racing sailing competitor, his team winning first place in the famous three-day Chesapeake Bay race. While in Seattle, he took a mountain climbing course and spent summer weekend days scaling nearby peaks. He attempted a climb of Mt. Rainier but unfortunately made it only to the 12,000 ft level because of altitude sickness. As is normal procedure, the team left him on the side of the trail while they completed the climb and picked him up on their way back. In later years, golf and bridge became his favorite pastime.

The business side of Dick’s personality pales next to his contributions to his church, his community, and his friends. Moving across the country often, Dick and Judy always immediately located a church with a strong choir and jumped in with both feet. He served as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. Dick also loved mentoring! He was always ready with a hand-up, whether it was an encouraging chat, a business connection, a room for the summer, or a Braum’s chocolate shake. He never met a stranger; and he never missed a chance for a laugh. His sunny disposition in the midst of pain and illness was his hallmark. He will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Whites Chapel Methodist Church, 185 S Whites Chapel Blvd, Southlake, Texas, at 1:00 on Thursday, April 24, followed by a reception in the Foundry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to White’s Chapel Methodist Church Missions or Tunnels to Towers.