Richard Earl "Rickey" Williams

1955 - 2023

Richard Earl "Rickey" Williams Richard Earl "Rickey" Williams Jr., 67 of Cameron, died peacefully at home on May 4, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Rickey Williams had an incredible life journey with his wife D'Ann Wendel Williams, and their daughters, Elizabeth Williams and Victoria Williams, who all live in Cameron. They invite you to celebrate his life with them on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the First Methodist Church in Cameron. Family visitation will be Monday at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m.

Rickey is survived by his mother, Jackie Williams of Cameron; his sister, Debora Evans of Belton; and his nephew. Thomas "TJ" Evans of Cameron.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Earl Williams Sr.; his younger brother, Thomas "Tom" Williams; his paternal grandparents, Lester and Beatrice Williams; his maternal grandparents, Jack and Cleo Camp of Austin; and his parents-in-law, Don and Jo Wendel of Temple.

Rickey Williams was born in Austin on Sept. 29, 1955, to parents Richard Earl and Jacquelyn "Jackie" Williams. He attended C.H. Yoe High School, graduating in 1974, and then pursued higher education at Southwestern University in Georgetown. In 1979, he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration and was a legacy and member Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Rickey also completed his studies at The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

Rickey was born into a family of bankers in Cameron, and it was no surprise when he followed in their footsteps by pursuing a career in the banking industry. He served as President of The First National Bank of Cameron, established in 1889 as one of Texas's first nationally chartered banks. The bank's mission statement is to build lifelong relationships by surpassing expectations, which is also the foundation of Rickey's business philosophy. As the bank's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Rickey successfully led it into the 21st century, giving it a new name - Classic Bank - and expanding its reach to seven other cities.

Rickey was a dedicated member of the First Methodist Church in Cameron throughout his life.

Rickey always had the community in mind. He was a member of the Cameron Economic Development Corp., the Cameron Industrial Foundation, Chairperson of the Milam County Industrial Corp., Cameron Rotary Club, San Andres Masonic Lodge No. 170, the Yoemen Booster Club, and the Cameron Chamber of Commerce. Rickey was named Citizen of the Year in 2023 for his outstanding contributions to the community.

Success is often measured by one's accomplishments, but it is truly defined by one's heart and commitment to the Lord's purpose. Rickey's success is exemplified through his love and dedication to his wife and daughters.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the First Methodist Church of Cameron: PO Box 528 Cameron, TX 76520