Roger Williams III

1929 - 2021

Roger Williams, III
December 15, 1929 - December 15, 2021
Lexington, Kentucky - Roger Williams III, passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, in Vero Beach, FL. Roger was born in Newton, MA on December 15, 1929 to Lucy Carver and Roger Williams Jr., Roger, grandson of General Roger Williams, founder of the Iroquois Hunt Club, was educated at the Fessenden School, Culver Military Academy and the University of Kentucky. Roger left the university with a commission in the U.S. Army and was stationed with the 29th Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA. After active duty he joined the 100th Division Reserves with the rank of Captain. He served as art Director of the Thoroughbred Record and later was associated with the Art Department of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. While living in Lexington he was an active member of the Lexington Yacht Club and served as Commodore. He was also a member of the Iroquois Hunt Club, the Idle Hour Country Club, the Keeneland Club, the Lexington Club and the Thoroughbred Club of America. He moved to Key Largo, FL in the late 1970s and lived on his boat with his wife, Sue and their dog and cat. He kept his boat at the Angler's Club and the Ocean Reef Club. Over the next several years he succeeded in becoming a major marine artist. His yacht portraits and renderings of historic ships are found in prominent collection across the country. In later years, dividing his time between Vero Beach and Cashiers, NC, he continued his career producing Indian River historical marine paintings. He was an active member of the National Maritime Historical Society and made trips on the Mississippi River doing research work and later giving lectures about the great river steamboats. He was a member of the Cedar Creek Racquet Club in Cashiers and the Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club in Vero Beach. His wife of 51 years, Sue Poyntz Williams died September 11, 2020. He is survived by his two daughters from a previous marriage, Nancy (George) Dejarnette and Cathleen (Steve) Hemphill. Roger wanted to thank those who cared for him during the last few years of his life. Milward Funeral Directors are entrusted with Roger's service arrangements. In honor of his legacy, contributions may be made to VNA Hospice of Vero Beach. A memorial service will be held at a later date. To share a remembrance of Roger or to offer condolences to his family, please visit milwardfuneral.com.