Richard C. Williams

Richard Charles Williams, age 90, of Elmira, NY, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026. He was born April 17, 1935 in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, a son of the late John B. Williams and Vivian A. (Wetherbee) VanZile.

Richard, known to many as "Dick" and "JaJa", lived a full and hardworking life marked by independence,

determination, and a strong sense of personal values. He could be stubborn and set in his ways but those who knew him understood he came from a place of conviction. He believed deeply in honesty, integrity, and a hard day's work, and he carried those principles with him throughout his life. Richard had retired from NYS Corrections. In his younger years, he received his commercial driver's license and drove truck. He earned his pilots license and had a passion for flying his Cherokee Piper, proudly sharing his love for aviation with anyone up for time in the sky. He had also loved riding his motorcycle, both hobbies allowing him to travel all over the United States. Not only a pilot, he was a flight instructor to many students, had been a proprietor of Williams Building Supply formerly on South Main Street in Elmira, and was even a school bus driver. He lived a life full of adventure and touched the lives of many. He held firm beliefs, strongly supporting his constitutional rights, his respect for law enforcement and was a proud supporter of the Republican Party. Dick was known for talking with anyone and everyone. He never met a stranger without having something to say, leaving a lasting impression on those he met. He also appreciated life's simple routines, especially his favorite way to end the day - a trip for a vanilla Frosty. He will be remembered for his strong character, his work ethic, and the life he lived on his own terms.

Dick was predeceased by his daughter, Debra Larrison; his son-in-law, Scott Morton; and his life long best friend, Al Wilson. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Linda Morton and her brother, Ricky Curkendall of Elmira; son-in-law, Skip Larrison of Elmira; and two step-children, Karen Ackerson of Elmira and Kristy (Gary) Dolan of Lockhaven, PA. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Laurie (Mark) McNeill of Elmira, Hope (Greg) Davis of Elmira, Christopher Morton of Lowman and Amanda (Steve) Greger of Elmira; 13 great grandchildren: Casey Bush, Makenzie Metz (Randy J. Metz, II), Joshua Bush, Jesse Bush, Sean Alexander Bush, Amya Davis (Greg Rouleau), Olivia Davis (Logan Shadduck), Landon Davis, Isabella Morton, Madison Morton, Cody Ripley, Chase Ripley and Owen Ripley; and 3 great, great grandchildren: Mikaela Nadine Metz, Maciana Nicole Metz and Truett Rouleau.

Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Wednesday, March 25th from 4 to 6 pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 26th at 11 am in St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin St., Elmira. Committal prayers and interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery.