Richard E. Williams

Richard E. Williams

April 1958 - February 2025

Richard Williams sailed off into the sunset way too early in Feb. 2025. If you knew Rick, you knew he loved four things fiercely: his family, a good drink with friends, classic cars and Duke Basketball.

Born to the late Bruce and Nance Williams, Richard was the oldest brother of the late Greg Williams and is survived by his younger brother, Jeff (Toria) Williams. He spent 36 wonderful, adventure-filled years with his wife, Mary Jane, and together they raised two amazing kids, Christopher and Rachel. He was also the beloved uncle of Alina, Caroline, and Charlie Williams. He is also survived by his Uncle Rick & Aunt Kathy Wall and his cousins, Wendy, Jennifer and Stephen.

Richard was a man of many passions, but he was also a man of great intellect. While he grew up overseas, he graduated from Ridgefield High School (CT) in 1976 as a National Merit Scholar and was an avid soccer & tennis player. He earned his Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University and an MBA from Tulane University. His career as a petrophysicist spanned decades, starting offshore with Schlumberger in 1980, where he worked for 33 years, taking him across the world-from Morgan City, New Orleans, Houston, The Hague, Miri (East Malaysia), Midland and Dallas, back to Houston and finally Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. After retiring from Schlumberger, he continued applying his expertise as a petrophysical advisor at BHP Billiton, Texas Oil and Gas Institute and later at University Lands before really retiring in 2020.

But while work took him across the globe, his heart remained with the things he loved most. Rick didn't just admire classic cars-he collected them. More than 70, in fact. His love for cars was legendary, and working on them was his true escape. He was also known to be a passionate sailor... in the sense that he loved sitting on his sailboat which he was looking forward to taking out on the water this spring. He found peace in growing his plumeria, basil, and "Bob Marley" when he wasn't buried in a book-because Rick was a voracious reader with an endless curiosity.

Beyond his sharp wit and love of a good time, Richard had a kind heart. He kept a bag of dollar bills and change in his car, always ready to help someone in need. He believed in small acts of generosity, never hesitating to lend a hand to a friend or stranger or share what he had with those who had less.

He was a man who appreciated the simple joys in life: the roar of a good engine, the comfort of a favorite book, and most of all, the company of good friends at The Abbey, Bourbon Street, and Duke's Tavern. He had a sharp sense of humor, a quick wit, and an uncanny ability to talk to anyone who would listen.

Rick's life will be celebrated the way he would have wanted-surrounded by family, friends, and a few raised glasses-on April 5, 1 pm - 3 pm at Bourbon Street Pub, 803 S. Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450. Dress is casual, but Duke Blue will be appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Family to Family Network https://f2fn.org/; or to Aspire Accessories https://thehubhouston.org/aspire, Houston Museum of Natural Science or a charity of your choice.

In his honor, take a moment to enjoy a great book, admire a classic car, and share a drink and a laugh with friends-and, if you can, carry a little extra kindness in your pocket, just like he did.