James R. "Ricky" Williams

James R (Ricky) Williams passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on 02/13/2026. Ricky lived most of his life in Athens Georgia. He was born on 04/24/1954 to the late James T and Ruth Naomi Williams.

Ricky was an only child and therefore he was spoiled rotten. As a young child he would drive his go-cart to school at Whitehead Rd Elementary School. To prevent it from being stolen he would remove the spark plug and store it in his pocket. He had many fond memories of his time spent at the Athens YMCA and was one of Corbin Kelly's boys. He often spoke of the trip to California and his time at Big Y camp in Tallulah Falls GA.

He graduated from Athens High/Clarke Central in 1972. A lifelong UGA football fan he enjoyed many Saturdays on the tracks and always looked forward to the fall for football season. He loved good food and especially sharing it with his friends and family. That is where he found his passion for BBQ. In July of 1988 he opened Williams BBQ in Danielsville GA and enjoyed a successful career that spanned 26 years serving some of the finest BBQ in Northeast Georgia.

To know Ricky was to love him. He was always fun to be around and made everyone feel welcomed. In his later years he fulfilled a life long dream of living at the beach and shared many sunset pictures with those that he loved. We will miss those pictures. He loved his sons, grandson and son in law deeply. Whether by phone call or text he always ensured you knew that he loved you. Most importantly he loved the Lord and trusted Christ as his Savior. We rejoice in knowing that he is resting in the arms of Jesus. But he will be dearly missed. His memory will live on with all those that loved him. A celebration of life will be held at a future date to be determined.