Murdock W. Williams Jr.

An Air Force Veteran of twenty years, a Patriot, a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather has departed what he frequently termed, "This crazy world." Murdock W. Williams Jr. was gifted life by his mother, Bessy, and father, Murdock, on June 7th, 1933, in Haralson County, Georgia. Murdock yielded to the frailty of this life on November 3, 2025, at the age of 92. One of eleven children, he grew up very poor. His father worked away from home and most of his wages were squandered on liquor purchases and abuse. They lived in a house with clapboard siding allowing daylight into the interior. It was necessary for the entire household to seek employment just to make ends meet.
At an early age, having moved to Rome, Murdock's first recollection of financial independence came about with the purchase of a bicycle. This allowed him to contribute to family income. With a gleam in his eye, this achievement has been shared many times with his grandchildren.
At the age of seventeen, with his mother's signature, he became employed by the U.S. Military. An interest in procurement and food preparation was the genesis for Murdock pursuing a twenty-year career as a Culinary Specialist. A monthly paycheck, housing, medical benefits, and travel, were all aligned with his desires to start a family. At the age of nineteen Murdock put a ring on the finger of sixteen-year-old Linda Landrum a resident of Hobbs, New Mexico. Subsequently, five children were brought into the world during a union that prevailed for seventy years.
During his twenty-year tenure with the Air Force Murdock persevered being away from home for two tours of duty in Vietnam. He ultimately served on three continents, and his U.S. assignments had him and the growing family stationed in eight states. During the entirety of his time in service and even a few years after, Murdock was antagonized by the same specter that haunted his father, alcohol abuse.
In 1971, with military service behind, Murdock sought out private employment in "The Last Frontier". Several of Linda's family, the Landrums, had relocated to Alaska in recent years to take advantage of the booming oil economy. Linda's sister Helen and husband Bill Chenault owned and managed Qwick Construction, a successful oilfield support company on the Kenai Peninsula. Murdock went to work for Quick and spent time away from home aboard a couple of offshore production platforms, namely Monopod and Grayling. One year of employment and having to routinely be absent from wife and kids left Murdock yearning for his home state of Georgia. The entirety of his household wasn't in agreement. From their perspective Alaska was recognized as a land of opportunity as already realized by other family members. Taking advantage of Murdock's food service experience and inclined to broaden their Alaska holdings, the Chenault's offered up a lease/purchase opportunity for Murdock and Linda. The Lighthouse Inn, a restaurant, bar, and motel establishment would be purchased, and Murdock and family would manage. Eventually, Murdock and Linda became sole owners.
Murdock and Linda experienced events no parent should have to endure. Under different sets of circumstances, they were confronted with the untimely and tragic death of both sons, David and Steven. Their deaths, however, lead to a dramatic turnaround impacting everyone in the immediate family. Murdock's alcohol consumption ended abruptly, and he began focusing his life on becoming the best husband, father, and grandfather that he could be.
In 1983, eleven years of successful business ownership opened the door to Murdock and Linda migrating back to his birth state of Georgia. Contentment was arrived at on a piece of acreage that allowed for gardening, the raising of livestock, and retrieving fish from the pond with a Zebco. The William's residence on Flat Rock Road has allowed for countless memories these past few decades. Memories made on and in the vicinity of Murdock and Linda's front porch to be forever cherished by their children, grandchildren, and others.
Murdock was presented with many opportunities to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. As a family we are not assured that he did, but we are assured that God knows the heart.
Murdock was preceded in death by his forever bride, Linda Lou Williams, his two sons David and Steven and granddaughter Cassie Williams.
Murdock is survived by daughters Lenoria Johnson (Dwight), Leslie Williams (Charles), and April Maddox (Jerry). Grandchild Jaime Maly (Burr) with great-grandsons Cole, Reid, and Camden. Grandchild Chad Johnson (Lindsay) with great-granddaughters Natalie and Lauren. Grandchild Josh Carmony with great-grandchildren Kylee and Alec. Grandchild Courtney Tufts (Bryan) and great-grandchildren Soli, Eli, and Lily. Grandchild Cheyenne Lamprecht (Christian).
A graveside service will be held at 4pm on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Rome Memorial Park.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, is honored to serve the family on Mr. Murdock W. Williams, Jr.