Ralph Douglass Williams

Ralph Douglass Williams, born December 21, 1941 in Battleboro, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on October 10, 2024.
He was the son of the late Thomas Avent Williams, Sr. and Vivian Nadine Hamill Williams. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Vivian "Bibibbie" Warren and Nancy Lee Williams Rawls. Ralph is survived by his brothers, David Arnold Williams (Jackie) and Thomas Avent Williams, Jr. (Becky).
Ralph's family life was rich and fulfilling. He shared four children with Patricia Hawkins Williams - John (Nicole), Brian (Alisa), Joseph (Jason), and Elizabeth (Brad) and six grandchildren - Nicholas, Cooper, Beckett, Paige, William and Brett. Ralph later married Susan Tate, with whom he enjoyed a cherished life and was blessed with stepdaughter Ashley and her sons Davin and Trevor.
His dedication to leadership, community service and personal development began early in his life as he became an Eagle Scout. Ralph continued his education at East Carolina University where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Arts and Science. Following college, he honorably served his country in the United States Air Force, exemplifying the values of integrity, excellence, and commitment.
It was this dedication, education and service that paved the way for a long and impactful career in Food Sales & Marketing. He was President of Associated Brokers for over 30 years where he represented local and national companies to supermarket chains and food distributors in the Southeast. He and his Sales Teams were awarded multiple National Broker of the Year Awards.
Ralph carried this commitment to the community in his support and service to two special organizations in his life: Rotary Club of Greenville, South Carolina and the Shriners Hospital for Children. He was a long-term member of the Rotary Club and was recognized with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award. This distinguished honor reflects his unwavering commitment to the Rotary ideals of service, fellowship, and ethical leadership, as well as his remarkable ability to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. He served as a Hejaz Shriner for many years where he organized community projects and spearheaded innovative fundraising initiatives. In fostering a deep sense of camaraderie among his fellow Shriners Hospital and Rotarians, Ralph left an indelible mark that will continue to guide and motivate us as we carry on his remarkable legacy.
Ralph will be remembered for his unwavering generosity, calm demeanor, and remarkable ability to bring people together. His family, friends, and all the lives he touched are profoundly grateful for the time they shared with him, and he will be deeply missed.
Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown. The family will greet guests from 12:00 p.m. until 1:15 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will be held in Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the "Watch Livestream" button located on the main obituary page.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children at https://lovetotherescue.org, in memory of Ralph Douglass Williams.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Ralph with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Leave A Message, Share A Memory" below.