Herbert Lewis Williams Jr.

Herbert Lewis Williams, Jr.

Herbert Lewis Williams, Jr., 85, of Richmond, Va., passed away Friday, February 20, 2026, surrounded by love in his home. Born October 19, 1940, in Thelma, Va. (population 18), he was a son of the late Herbert Lewis Williams and Glenna Seagle Williams. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 64 years, Anita Brooks Williams; his daughter, Stephanie Williams Rutledge (Andy); son, Christopher Kent Williams (Mary); son, Jason Neal Williams (Christine); sister, Melba W. Shumaker; brother, Robert S. Williams (Deborah); brother-in-law, Gordon A. Brooks (Sarah); his five grandchildren, whom he adored: Landon Rutledge, Sloan Rutledge, Sean Williams, Walker Williams, Hudson Williams; many nephews, great-nephews, a great-niece; other family, and many wonderful friends. Throughout his lifetime he answered to many names-Lewis (by family from childhood), "Weed" (by teenage peers), Herbert (from formalists), Herb (from his contemporaries), "Weedsy" (only from his wife!), "Dad", and none with more glee than "Papa" (by his grandchildren). Herb was a life-long Boston Red Sox and Virginia Cavaliers fan and attended almost every one of Jason's Virginia Wesleyan baseball games. He retired early after a successful career at Philip Morris allowing him to enjoy travel both domestically and abroad, including multiple trips to Fenway Park and the Red Sox Spring Training Camps, to play tennis, and to engage in community volunteering, including serving as President of Tuckahoe Little League and in various positions at Hanover Avenue Christian Church and the Church of the Epiphany. "Papa", along with "Nana", loved their weekly babysitting when the grandchildren were young, family vacations, and were devoted spectators of their grandchildren's soccer, baseball, and lacrosse games, filling their days with joy! He was a bright light that will shine forever in the hearts of those who knew him. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, and funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, both at the Church of the Epiphany, 8000 Hermitage Road, Richmond VA 23228. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Church of the Epiphany or Tuckahoe Little League.