Aubrey Simpson Williams Jr.

Aubrey Simpson Williams Jr., a retired attorney and native of Richmond, residing at Westminster Canterbury, passed away on November 17, 2003 at the age of 82. He is the son of A. Simpson Williams and Mary Davies Bright Williams of Richmond. Known universally among his wide circle of friends and colleagues as "Ace", a moniker given him by his University of Virginia roommate, the late Hon. Thomas N. Downing Jr. of Norfolk, he both began and ended his 50 year legal career in this city with his close friend, the late Sen. William F. Parkerson Jr. Widely appreciated throughout local courthouses, business circles, and social gatherings for his sense of humor and gregarious nature, Mr. Williams was most noted for his courtesy, courtly manner, and unfailing kindness to all who knew him. After graduating in 1937 from John Marshall High School, where he served as an officer in Company "D" Corps of Cadets, he entered the University of Richmond. While at Richmond College he was, at various times, elected president of the Kappa Alpha Order, vice-president of the student government, secretary of the honor council, and to membership in Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership fraternity. After graduating in 1941, he entered the University of Virginia School of Law, which he left in 1943 to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. Upon completion of officer training he was posted to Dyersburg Army Air Field, a B-17 combat crew training base near Memphis, Tennessee, where he served as flight radio communications training officer. While there he first met his beloved wife of 58 years, Alice Fenton Kimbrough, on a blind date. They married a year later in June 1945. After the war ended, Captain Williams was separated from the service and returned to finish his legal education at the university. He subsequently joined the Richmond Light Infantry Blues and served there and later with Headquarters, Virginia Army National Guard, as senior JAG officer for 23 years. During his tenure he coauthored the Virginia Code of Military Justice and was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service. Several years after his military retirement, Colonel Williams organized and directed the raising of the Richmond Light Enfantry Blues Memorial Monument in downtown Richmond and was later appointed to the rank of Brigadier General on the military staff of the Governor. Mr. Williams was an elder in River Road Presbyterian Church and member of the Virginia Society, Sons of the Revolution, the Military Order of the World Wars,and the Richmond Light Infantry Blues Veterans Corps. He was a most kind and generous husband and father, ever loving, ever gentle, always forgiving and unfailingly reliable. His most gracious spirit and understanding love have been a lifelong blessing to his loving family who survive him, his wife, Alice; and two sons, John Kimbrough Williams and A. Simpson Williams III. His was a life truly well led. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Westminster Canterbury, 1600 Westbrook Avenue on Thursday, November 20, 2003 at 2 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, the SPCA, or a charity of preference.